PRESS RELEASE

Contact Information:            

Rachael Wood                        

Michigan Arbor Day Alliance          

551 Courthouse Dr., Ste. 3 Charlotte, MI 48813                  

Phone:            (517) 543-5848 x 5

Email:             miarborday@yahoo.com

Website:   www.miarborday.citymax.com

Sent:               8-20-09           

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On or after 8-20-09

Environmental Education Resource

            MICHIGAN – Eaton Conservation District is proud to announce the availability of Michigan Arbor Day Alliance Environmental Education Trunks.  The purpose of the environmental education trunks is to allow educators in Eaton County the opportunity to rent a trunk for a period of time to supplement their existing classroom materials.  Trunk materials will provide educators with the opportunity to offer hands on learning, curriculum ideas, games, art projects and more. 

Trunks may contain the following materials*:

-How a Tree Grows Kit: Using actual tree parts, students learn about chlorophyll, photosynthesis, water absorption, transpiration and transfer of food, minerals and water through plant tissue. Teacher’s guide with activities.

-Eyewitness Tree Video and Book: From tiny bonsai trees to giant redwoods, this video explores trees in the manner for which Eyewitness is famous.  Learn how trees use chemicals to reduce competition from other trees, ward off fungus attacks and even reduce the impact of forest fires.  Discusses the role trees play in soil conservation, production of oxygen, provision of habitat for wildlife, and as a source of inspiration for all.

*This is a sample of what Environmental Education Trunks will contain.  More materials than what is listed above will be available.  This project was made possible with funding provided by, Capital Region Community Foundation.  Environmental Education trunks are available for K-5 and 6-8 educators.  In the future we hope to provide trunks for Early Childhood education and grades 9-12.  It is FREE to rent an Environmental Education trunk from Eaton Conservation District.  We are in the process of selecting materials for each trunk.  If you would like to participate in our material review process, please email Rachael Wood at miarborday@gmail.com.  We feel it is very important to have educator input before the materials are finalized.  We hope you will enjoy this new resource!

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A BIG Thank You to all our partners and sponsors who make the State Arbor Day Celebration a success: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Eaton Conservation District, ITC, DTE Energy Foundation, MSU Federal Credit Union, Ingham County Parks & Rec., Potter Park Zoo, Adams Outdoor Advertising, Ayles Tree Service, Forestry & Public Service-City of Lansing, Consumers Energy, Lansing Board of Water & Light, Van Pines Nursery, Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association and Walmart.

We would also like to thank all the volunteer presenters and their organizations for making the State Arbor Day Celebration a wonderful event!

Thank You to our Go Green Youth Challenge Sponsors!