Regional Environmental Education Center Receives $5,000 Grant

Upper St. Clair, PA – The Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC) kicks off Earth Day early this year. On Thursday, April 6, Senator John Pippy joins the Center's Program Manager, Jessica Stombaugh and Board of Directors Secretary, David Wade to accept a grant from Waste Management's General Manager Ben Woods and Community Relations Coordinator Jim Gebicki. The grant from the Waste Management Foundation supports the Center's effort to advance environmental education and heighten environmental awareness in the region.

The REEC was established in 2003 with the support of a dedicated group of community volunteers and the Township of Upper St. Clair. Since opening in the fall of 2004, the Southwest Pennsylvania region has enthusiastically supported the REEC. REEC offers programs for students from area schools, evening and day programs for kids and adults, and programs for community groups including scout groups. Its mission is to promote personal environmental awareness by highlighting the connection between people and the natural world of Southwestern Pennsylvania through programs, exhibits, and resources. Educational programming is based on the rich local history of Native American use, early settler development, room and pillar coal mining, agriculture, and ecological diversity.

"We are very grateful to Waste Management for this support," said Board Secretary David Wade. "We expect to build on early successes and expand the Center to become a significant asset in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The support of the community and businesses such as Waste Management is essential in helping the Center grow."

Ben Woods added, "The Regional Environmental Education Center is a great environmental project. Waste Management is proud to be a part of a business and education partnership that can serve as a vehicle for spreading the word about the importance of conservation, stewardship and environmental protection."

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Contact:
David Wade - Regional Environmental Education Center - 412-476-6184
Matt Campion - Office of Senator John Pippy - 412-571-3822