More than $1 million will be distributed throughout the country to a wide variety of local efforts designed to help the environment as part of an initiative Toyota started with Audubon.

The latter company, as some may know, runs nature centers, chapters, scientific, education and advocacy programs in communities.

Toyota and Audubon teamed up two years ago to launch TogetherGreen. Behind the five-year program is a $20 million grant the automaker gave.

The Innovation Grants chosen by TogetherGreen this year include 43 projects throughout 27 states that are designed to “use innovative approaches and technologies to engage new and diverse audiences in conservation and tackle pressing conservation problems.”

About $1.08 million in funds will be spread throughout these projects.

In one project, there will be a wildlife sanctuary restoration project to fix the fallout from the Gulf oil spill. Other projects include providing conservation internships for urban teens and encouraging sustainable ranching.

In its three years of existence, there has been more than $3.5 million provided by TogetherGreen. In total, there have been over 130 projects who have received funds.

“The conservation solutions pioneered by TogetherGreen Innovation Grant winners are inspiring models of both ingenuity and conservation commitment,” stated David Yarnold, president of Audubon.

“Each project represents an investment in our shared environment and future — and an opportunity for many of our nation’s most creative and dedicated individuals and communities to transform their dreams into effective conservation action,” he continued. “As our alliance with Toyota shows, when organizations work together, they can magnify conservation results."

Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of national philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation, added: “Toyota has a long history of utilizing technical innovation to preserve natural resources, reduce waste, and improve sustainability.

 “We are so proud of the TogetherGreen program and the incredible results it has produced in communities across the U.S.,” she noted. “We know this latest group of Innovation Grants will continue to have a tremendous positive impact.”