ADVISORY, June 2, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
WHAT: Media event to kick off FOCUS (Forests, Ocean,
Climate -- and Us), a nationwide campaign in
partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, NOAA, the
National Aquarium, and the Wyland Foundation that
uses art and science to teach young people about our
forests and ocean -- and how these two irreplaceable
resources hold the future of our supplies of
freshwater, climate and global environmental health.
More than 200 students from Washington, D.C. schools
will paint a series of 120-square foot murals (9 AM
to 4 PM) with Wyland exploring watersheds from the
forests to the sea and issues of climate change.
WHEN: National Get Outdoors Day, 11 AM, Thursday, June 11.
Event occurs rain or shine
WHERE: USDA's new "People's Garden" at the National Mall,
Jefferson Drive and 12th St SW, Washington, D.C.
WHO: Tom Vilsack, Secretary, Department of Agriculture
Abigail Kimbell, Chief, U.S. Forest Service
Mary Glackin, Deputy Undersecretary for Oceans and
Atmosphere, NOAA
Wyland, world-renowned environmental artist and
muralist
BACKGROUND: The FOCUS program marks the first-ever outreach
partnership between the USFS, NOAA, and Wyland. The
campaign will engage students across the United
States about the role of our forests and ocean in
regulating climate through art and science
activities, online programs, student documentary
films, and traveling exhibitions to fundamentally
change the way communities see, understand, and care
for our environment. The Wyland Foundation, a 501c3
non-profit organization, is known for its innovative
grassroots arts-based environmental outreach
campaigns and monumental marine life murals in 15
countries.
LINKS: www.wylandfoundation.org
www.fs.fed.us
www.noaaworld.noaa.gov/announcements/jun2009_announce_1.html