OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 1999

Stephanie Hanna (O) 202/208-6416

INTERIOR SECRETARY TO KICK OFF EARTH DAY AT ARLINGTON SCHOOL
ON WEDNESDAY

Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt will hear from a Fairfax County 6th Grade class on Wednesday, April 20, about their recycling activities. Secretary Babbitt is going to the school to discuss highlights of their efforts in recycling and environmental stewardship as a prelude to Earth Day.

"Earth Day comes around once a year, but these young people are rolling up their sleeves all year, raising awareness in their school and communities and making a better environment for themselves and their neighbors with enthusiam and dedication," Secretary Babbitt said. "They are our bright hope for the future. I heard about this project from their teacher and I wanted to come out and see them in action."

Secretary Babbitt will join Richard Halttunen's 6th Grade classes at the Graham Road School on Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. The school is located at 3036 Graham Road in Arlington, near Loehmann's Plaza.

Secretary Babbitt will also discuss conservation activities at the Department of the Interior of local interest with the students, including preserving more open space, efforts underway to understand and solve recent population declines in frogs, toads and pollinator species such as hummingbirds and butterflies, and the new initiative to better protect coral reefs around the world.

WHO: Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt and 6th Grade students

WHERE: Graham Road Elementary School, 3036 Graham Road, Arlington

WHEN: Wednesday, April 21, 1999, at 9:30 a.m.

WHY: Kick-off to Earth Day - highlighting student recycling and environmental activities.

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