Tuesday, November 25, 2008

REI Awards Grant to Forever Earth Research & Learning Center

The Discover Mojave Forever Earth Program soon will extend its reach to more Clark County students thanks to a grant from Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI). Officials with REI presented a $10,000 check to the Outside Las Vegas Foundation (OLVF) and the Public Lands Institute (PLI) on November 18, 2008 aboard the Forever Earth Research & Learning Center, which is berthed at Callville Bay Marina at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
REI, a national gear and apparel retail cooperative, supports local and national non-profit organizations that share the company’s commitment to increase youth participation in outdoor recreation and the conservation of shared outdoor spaces. OLVF was successful in receiving a grant on behalf of the Forever Earth program.

Bruce Gardner, manager of the REI Henderson store, presented the check to OLVF Executive Director Alan O’Neill, PLI Executive Director Peg Rees, and Forever Earth Project Manager Daphne Sewing. Sewing explained that the grant will fund ten to 15 additional trips for Clark County School District students in grades four through twelve. That means up to one thousand students will learn about science, the environment, and water quality issues. Sewing said Forever Earth has served more than 7000 Clark County residents since 2004, with 5000 being students. Following the presentation, fourth grade students from Reedom Elementary School boarded Forever Earth to explore the importance and water use cycle of Lake Mead.
The Forever Earth Program was established by OLVF in conjunction with the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership, which is comprised of the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. It is managed by PLI on behalf of the National Park Service. Forever Resorts, a concessionaire of Callville Bay Marine, donates the use of the boat and provides logistical and maintenance support.