For Immediate UseMedia Contact: Garrison Frost, (510) 601-1866, Ext. 225
June 15, 2009

Highland Park, Calif. – 15 June 2009---In a boost to its efforts to connect culturally diverse communities to nature and environmental issues, the Audubon Center at Debs Park has received new funding to expand its outreach and educational programs for residents of Northeast Los Angeles.

The funding comes as part of a new $110,000 grant from the REI Foundation that will help build on the success of Latino-focused nature programs at three urban Audubon Centers, including Debs Park. The one-year grant will broaden the centers’ existing programs to reach thousands of participants through an array of nature activities. These programs will serve as models to help Audubon and other nature organizations work with local communities to fashion nature experiences for diverse audiences that are inclusive, relevant and engaging.

“The key is for us to let everyone in this community know that this Center belongs to them,” said Jeff Chapman, director of the Audubon Center at Debs Park. “Our goal is to work together to introduce more people to the wonderful natural beauty that surrounds us everyday.”

The funding will allow Audubon Center staff to conduct person-to-person outreach and education in nearby neighborhoods, as well as expand its successful blend of hikes, bird-watching and nature experiences aimed at Spanish-speaking families. These programs include the Center’s Arroyo Adventure summer day camp and the Nature’s Classroom, which connects K-5 students to nature through an alliance with local elementary schools.

“It’s great to be working to help nature education programs succeed in northeast Los Angeles and Latino communities across the country.  Working as one community is the best way to make to be sure of reaching all local residents,” said Arturo Gonzalez, Arroyo Seco Foundation outreach coordinator and a key ally in Audubon’s community projects.  “It is a tremendous opportunity to fuse the cultural nuances of working class Latino neighborhoods with environmental education that can be a catalyst for environmental consciousness and stewardship in urban areas.”

Throughout the process, Audubon and allied community organizations will collect new information about elements of successful nature program design, outreach and community engagement. “This is about continuing to listen and learn from the community so we can both improve nature education efforts locally and help to make other programs nationwide equally inclusive,” said Judy Braus, Audubon’s vice president for education.

“The REI Foundation's primary focus is to increase the number of young people and families who enjoy the outdoors,” said REI Foundation President, Michael Collins.  “It’s essential that ensuring that the people who enjoy hiking, camping, cycling and other outdoor endeavors reflect the great diversity of our country. The work of Audubon and its commitment to help more people experience nature helps nurture this important seed.”

Audubon is among the first organizations to receive funding stemming from recommendations and collaboration with The National Forum on Children and Nature, a group of public and private leaders that led a national effort to reconnect kids with nature. The Forum, which launched in 2007, worked to identify exceptional efforts from across the country. The Audubon program was one such project. Additional REI Foundation-supported programs include the New York Restoration Project in New York City and the EarthTeam Environmental Network in Berkeley, Calif., other important projects that were endorse by the National Forum.

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About the National Audubon Society
Now in its second century, Audubon connects people with birds, nature and the environment that supports us all. Our national network of community-based nature centers, chapters, scientific, education, and advocacy programs engages millions of people from all walks of life in conservation action to protect and restore the natural world.  www.audubon.org

About the REI Foundation
The REI Foundation was founded and supported by Recreational Equipment, Inc. in 1993. The Foundation's mission concentrates on helping to ensure that tomorrow's outdoor enthusiasts and conservation stewards reflect the diversity of America.