Norfolk Southern plans a clean, green Halloween treat at Atlanta's Piedmont Park

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Oct 30, 2015, 10:00 ET

ATLANTA, Oct. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A walk in the park amid Atlanta's most well-known green space promises to be even more enjoyable because of the sustainability minded efforts of Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) employees on Halloween.

Volunteer employees, family members, and friends will clean up Piedmont Park and improve its walking paths and running tracks. "It's a way we can come together and give back to the community where we work and also contribute to a healthy environment," said Esi Waters, manager corporate sustainability.

Located within a half-mile of Norfolk Southern's office building on Peachtree Street, historic Piedmont Park is a Midtown oasis where employees frequently exercise, relax, and celebrate Atlanta's culture. Norfolk Southern's corporate sustainability group will sponsor the volunteer employee event in partnership with the Piedmont Park Conservancy and the Georgia Conservancy.

"Through Norfolk Southern's 'Connections Challenge' campaign, our employees have supported corporate sustainability goals in ways that are personal and that connect with the local community. These include everything from alternative transportation days to adjusting thermostats at home. The Halloween project at Piedmont Park is a great opportunity for employees to invite family members and friends to share our vision for corporate sustainability leadership," Waters said.

"Piedmont Park Conservancy is thrilled to have Norfolk Southern join us as a volunteer partner," said Kate Kauffman, the conservancy's vice president development and marketing. "We depend on individuals and groups to help keep the park looking its best. From trash pickup to mulching to planting flowers, every volunteer's time makes an impact."

"The Georgia Conservancy is proud to continue our partnership with Norfolk Southern," said Bryan Schroeder, senior director of stewardship and outreach for the conservancy. "They're a natural partner for the Georgia Conservancy and have been a great supporter of our conservation programing. Working together to improve one of the finest green spaces in Metro Atlanta makes all the sense in the world."

Norfolk Southern launched a formal sustainability program in 2007 with the goal of achieving industry leadership in fuel conservation, emissions reduction, efficient energy use, recycling, use of renewable materials, and environmental partnerships. For more information, see Norfolk Southern's 2015 sustainability report.

About Piedmont Park Conservancy

Piedmont Park Conservancy is a member and donor funded nonprofit working in partnership with the City of Atlanta to maintain and enhance historic Piedmont Park. Founded in 1989, the Conservancy has raised and invested more than $60 million in private funds for Park improvements and today manages over 90% of the overall maintenance and security of Piedmont Park. Newly opened Park amenities include Piedmont Commons, Walker Woods, Legacy Fountain and the Promenade, the wetlands, a renaturalized Clear Creek, 3 acres of hardwood forest, basketball courts, bocce courts, the new aquatic center, the Greystone event facility, an expanded dog park and new lawns.

About Georgia Conservancy

The Georgia Conservancy was founded in 1967 to protect Georgia's natural resources for present and future generations by advocating sound environmental policies, advancing sustainable growth practices and facilitating common-ground solutions to environmental challenges.

About Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation