Maine Audubon Receives Environmental Education Grant from Staples Foundation for Learning

FALMOUTH, ME, March 23, 2005

Funds will support programs for underserved children in Portland

Maine Audubon announced today it received a $5,000 grant from Staples Foundation for Learning to support two environmental education outreach programs for underserved children in Portland.

Taught by Maine Audubon's experienced environmental educators, the after-school and school-based outreach initiatives introduce almost 1,000 children a year to the natural environment in and around Portland.

EDITORS: If you'd like to print some great images of Portland kids connecting with nature at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, e-mail media@maineaudubon.org or call (207) 781-2330, ext. 229.

"These two dynamic programs are an important part of Maine Audubon's commitment to educating youth about the local environment," said Kevin Carley, executive director of Maine Audubon. "With support from Staples Foundation for Learning, we'll be able to expand our outreach and continue to serve the Portland community."

"Maine Audubon understands the importance of teaching youth about environmental stewardship and creating a connection to nature at an early age," said Joy Errico, spokesperson for Staples Foundation for Learning." With this grant, Staples Foundation for Learning is able to help bring a one-of-a kind, interactive environmental program to disadvantaged youth in the Portland area."

In partnership with Portland Parks and Recreation Department, Maine Audubon provides hands-on, after-school environmental education programs to children in grades one through five at eight of Portland's neighborhood community centers.

Maine Audubon's school-based outreach program provides outdoor nature explorations and environmental education curriculum connections to all students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Reiche Community School in Portland, the most ethnically diverse school in northern New England. >>MORE

Maine Audubon works to conserve Maine's wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people of all ages in education, conservation and action.

With a 160-year history of connecting people with nature, Maine Audubon is the only organization in Maine working to conserve wildlife in three ways: providing hands-on environmental education for people of all ages, conducting research and wildlife conservation projects statewide, and taking action to help shape effective science-based conservation policy.

Support for Maine Audubon comes from its 11,000 members, donors and volunteers, including individuals, foundations and corporations. Maine Audubon is an affiliate of Audubon's national organization and has local chapters statewide; membership in Maine Audubon includes Audubon membership at the national, state and local levels.

Maine Audubon's 3,000 acres of wildlife sanctuary and its community-based environmental centers, citizen science programs, and hundreds of trips, programs, classes and camps offer young children through senior citizens wide-ranging opportunities to explore, learn about and care for Maine's wildlife throughout the year.

Launched in August of 2002, Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. is a private foundation created by Staples Inc. to provide funding to charitable programs that support or provide job training or educational opportunities to all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth.

To date, Staples Foundation for Learning has awarded nearly $4 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and is a national sponsor of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For more information about the foundation or how to apply for a grant, please visit www.staplesfoundation.org.

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