For Immediate Release                                             For More Information:

April 27, 2011                                                             Environmental Services:  485-3230

700 Local Students Attend Earth Day Expo

(VICTORIA, TEXAS) - In observance of Earth Day, approximately 700 students in third through fifth grades attended an Earth Day Expo event on April 20 at the Victoria Community Center. The Expo was coordinated by the City of Victoria Environmental Services Program. Students from Aloe, Schorlemmer, Industrial, Juan Linn, FW Gross and Dudley Elementary schools attended the Expo to learn about air quality, recycling, water conservation and many other environmental topics.

This year’s Expo, “Planet Pursuit” drew more than 30 exhibitors who carried out a “pirate” theme in their exhibits. Students were provided with a “treasure map” as part of a scavenger hunt to navigate them to the various Expo exhibits using clues. The exhibits provided students with a variety of fun, interactive, hands-on learning activities.

Some of the key features that students experienced during their visit to the Expo included a Pirate Pooch Rescue Show performed by the Dorothy O’Connor Pet Adoption Center, a Butterfly House presented by the Texas Zoo and Balloon Pirate Gear made by Ziggy the Clown.

Earth Day Expo exhibitors enjoyed sharing their expertise with the students. “It was inspiring to see children excited to experience nature up close through the butterfly house,” said Andrea Blomberg, Executive Director of the Texas Zoo.

Sally Kuecker, Executive Director of the Dorothy O’Connor Pet Adoption Center and her staff of volunteers provided a live show with dogs from the Center taking center stage in the Arena. “We had the best time,” said Kuecker. “The dogs and volunteers enjoyed being on the ship! Charlie and his Champs loved the opportunity to entertain the children at this wonderful event.”

“The Earth Day Expo was piratey fun this year, matey,” said Marie Lester, Environmental Services Program Coordinator. “Environmental Services is so happy to offer this free field trip opportunity to area students. The students learn how to protect the environment in a fun, interactive way,” she said.

The event was made possible by the participating exhibitors and volunteers from East and West High School, Starbucks and Academy Sports and Outdoor.

For more information, please contact Marie Lester at 485-3230.

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