International Paper and Memphis Botanic Garden Partner to Present Earth Day Every Day April, 2011

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Each day throughout the month of April, Memphis Botanic Garden in partnership with International Paper will host a month-long celebration of Earth Day.

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Children and adults will enjoy a variety of special events designed to improve familiarity with ecology and environmentally-friendly practices that can be carried over into everyday living.

Throughout April, visitors can take a Conservation Hike, which includes a series of stations around the Garden with information on conservation in the Mid-South. At each stop, visitors will be challenged to think of specific conservation steps they can take to make a difference.

Mondays will feature an After School Green Hour in My Big Backyard. Research has shown that children spending at least an hour each day in an outdoor environment are healthier and perform better in academic and other areas.

Thursdays will include the Going Green Lunch Scene, a series of informal talks by experts focusing on a different green topic each week.

Other highlights will include an Aquatics Talk by Dr. Hyun Jung Cho, Delicious & Nutritious Vegetables: Disease-fighting Power of Produce by Dr. Dean A. Kopsell, Environmental Playhouse learning activities at the Garden's Spring Plant Sale, Backyard Picnic and concert, and a Kids-Only Yard Sale, which will give children a chance to recycle their old toys by selling to shoppers who'll give them new homes.

This series of nature-themed family events and educational programs is a clear example of how non-profit and private organizations can work together to further our cause of educating the community on environmental issues.

"At International Paper, we are proud of our legacy of sustainability and environmental stewardship," said IP Foundation Executive Director Kim Wirth. "Partnering with the Memphis Botanic Garden to celebrate Earth Day is another extension of our commitment to the communities where we live and work."

The Memphis Botanic Garden is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to being an exemplary center for horticulture and environmental enrichment. Serving over 40,000 school-aged children annually, and hosting 225,000 visitors each year, Memphis Botanic Garden strives to enhance lives by connecting people with nature, increasing awareness and appreciation of our environment.

For a full schedule of events, or Garden information visit www.memphisbotanicgarden.com or contact Jana Gilbertson at 901-636-4121 or [email protected].

SOURCE International Paper