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Note: This information is provided for reference purposes only. Although the information provided here was accurate and current when first created, it is now outdated. |
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Note: This information is provided for reference purposes only. Although the information provided here was accurate and current when first created, it is now outdated. |
Contact: Bonnie Lomax (215) 814-5542
May 21, 1997-254
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Eight students who made a difference in their Maryland community will be honored as they receive the 1996 President's Environmental Youth Award on Thursday, May 22, 1997. EPA Administrator Carol Browner will present the award at a 10 a.m. ceremony to Tara Bossing, Gillian Dukes, Colleen Fitzpatrick, Anna- Marie Gincley, Katherine Grayson, Angela Kelly, Moira Nusbaum, and Sarah Purcell. The recipients, collectively known as the "Mighty Duck Savers," are receiving the award for their successful duck conservation efforts at Frederick's Culler Lake.
The graduates, from St. John Regional School in Frederick, are among several young people being honored for environmental excellence. The presentations will take place in the EPA auditorium located at 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. Afterwards, recipients will meet with their congressional representatives in the U.S. Capitol.
"These students have displayed tremendous initiative and concern in starting and completing this project," says EPA Regional Administrator W. Michael McCabe. "The results of their hard work and dedication will have lasting benefits on Culler Lake and its duck population."
The "Mighty Duck Savers" educated the citizens of Frederick on the danger of feeding bread to ducks. When fed bread, ducks will eat anything that resembles it, including styrofoam and other harmful items. In addition, the steady supply of food was attracting ducks to an area and keeping them there. Uneaten bread would sink to the bottom of the lake, causing harmful organisms to grow and pollute the lake. Since feeding the ducks at Culler Lake had been a favorite pastime in Frederick for many years, the project involved intense re-education.
The students designed t-shirts, stamps and brochures informing the public of the dangers of feeding bread to the ducks. In addition, through their work with city officials, a number of cracked corn dispensers were placed around Culler Lake, along with signs designed by the students warning citizens of the dangers of feeding bread to ducks. Frederick Mayor Jim Grimes proclaimed January 25, 1996 as Official Mighty Duck Savers Day.
Established in 1990, the President's Environmental Youth Award Program encourages and supports young people's involvement in environmental issues. It aims to promote local environmental awareness and encourages participants to channel this awareness into positive community involvement. Open to students in kindergarten through grade 12, individuals, schools, summer camps, public interest groups, and youth organizations are invited to participate.
Project applications must be received by July 31, 1997. For more information or to request an application, call the Environmental Protection Agency, at 215-814-5663.
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