News Release »
| Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor | Dee Freeman, Secretary |
| N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources |  |
| Release: Immediate | Contact: Charlie Peek | |
| Date: 2009-09-02 | Phone: (919) 715-8709 |
Retailer's Grant to Help Haw River State Park
RALEIGH -- Haw River State Park in Rockingham and Guilford counties will benefit from a $5,000 grant for environmental education equipment that outdoors outfitter Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) presented to the nonprofit Friends of State Parks, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.
The state park’s Summit Environmental Education Center will enhance its programming with microprojectors that can display microscopic aquatic organisms, a bat detector, a telemetry kit for eastern box turtles and canoeing equipment, said Susan McBean, the park’s superintendent
Friends of State Parks was nominated for the grant by the employees of REI of Greensboro. Annually, REI dedicates a portion of its profits to help protect and restore the environment, increase access to outdoor activities and encourage involvement in responsible outdoor recreation. During 2008, REI granted $3.7 million to more than 395 community partners.
“This grant will directly help Haw River State Park improve its environmental education programs, particularly for young people, and that’s always been one of the principal goals of Friends of State Parks,” said David Pearson, president of the organization. “It’s a great example of partnership between our support group, the state parks system and the business community.”
Washington State-based REI awarded a similar grant to Haw River State Park in 2007, which was used to expand the park’s canoeing programs.
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