This summer, Los Angeles families will experience the wonders of the natural world at the Audubon Center at Debs Park thanks to a $10,000 Verizon grant. On August 7, 2012, the Audubon Society will open its center doors to 100 women and children from Peace Over Violence, a domestic violence prevention agency and a 2012 Verizon grant recipient. These survivors of domestic violence will learn about conservation during these fun activities:

• Nature Walk and Hike
• Wildlife presentations with real animals
• Interactive Arts and Crafts
• Free play and exploration of the Audubon Center at Debs Park

Verizon employees will lend a hand throughout the day as volunteers supporting Audubon and Peace Over Violence team members during “Nature’s Open House.”

 “Verizon Wireless is a valued partner in our mission to connect children with nature,” said Michael Sutton, Executive Director of Audubon California. “The Audubon Center at Debs Park programs serve a high population of low-income students that wouldn’t otherwise have this opportunity to learn outside of the classroom.”

The grant is aimed at promoting educational experiences in science and nature, funding a variety of Audubon programs, including:

• Nature's Classroom
• Spring and Summer Day Camp
• Arroyo Seco Restoration
• MuseumScienceMagnet SchoolPartnership
• The Arroyo Green Team

Verizon’s grant is an extension of the company’s goal to lower greenhouse gas emissions and help preserve precious natural resources. For example, Verizon Wireless’ green retail store design has achieved precertification in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED® Volume Program. Verizon Wireless is one of only eight retailers in the United States and the only wireless company to achieve precertification from the USGBC.

Audubon Californiais partnering with the non-profit organization Peace Over Violence (POV) to promote Verizon Wireless’ commitment to promoting community health and wellness to at-risk populations through environmental education. A longtime partner with Verizon in the movement to end domestic violence, POV is the longest standing sexual and domestic violence prevention agency in Los Angeles. Youth violence prevention and education is a key component of POV’s work, and this event will be attended by graduates of POV’s Summer Youth Institute.

The event, Nature’s Open House, is August 7 at the Audubon Center at Debs Park from 10 am to 1:30 pm and is for POV and neighborhood families.

About Audubon Center at Debs Park:

The Audubon Center at Debs Park opened in 2003 as an environmental education and conservation center for the communities of northeast Los Angeles. The nature-based education and community programs at Debs Park are designed to engage children and their families in the outdoor world, and provide a personal stake in its protection by making environmental issues relevant to their lives.

About Peace Over Violence

Peace Over Violence, established in 1971, is a sexual and domestic violence, stalking, child abuse and youth violence prevention center headquartered in Los Angeles and dedicated to building healthy relationships, families and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence.One of the first agencies of its kind in the country, POV has been committed to social service, social change and social justice for over 40 years. POV’s innovative programs are comprehensive and include Emergency, Intervention, Prevention, Education and Advocacy services. Visit www.peaceoverviolence.org for more information.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with 93 million retail customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500. A Dow 30 company with $111 billion in 2011 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 192,000.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.