“The First Bloom project will give children who may not have regular access to the outdoors a hands-on opportunity to connect with their national parks.”
–Mrs. Laura Bush
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- National Park Foundation Teaches Local Kids To Plant Native Flowers As Part of First Bloom Program, Supported By ARAMARK
National Park Foundation Teaches Local Kids To Plant Native Flowers As Part of First Bloom Program, Supported By ARAMARK
Published on 05/09/2009
Girls Scouts Develop Strong Conservation Ethic through Second Philadelphia Planting Event of National “First Bloom” Program
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Dozens of green-thumbed Girl Scouts, representatives from the National Park Foundation, the National Park Service and volunteers from ARAMARK teamed up and got their hands dirty for Philadelphia’s second planting of the First Bloom program. First Bloom is a nationwide conservation program of the National Park Foundation, supported by ARAMARK.
The local Girl Scouts from troops 547, 6149, 9263, 21550 and 41532 have learned about native plants, the environment, and conservation through the First Bloom program over several weeks of hands-on lessons taught by National Park Service Rangers. Today, the girls planted a native plant First Bloom garden that they designed. This planting served as a culmination of their lessons during which the girls have become knowledgeable about the role of native plants in both our national parks and in their own communities. The Girl Scouts’ involvement in the First Bloom program has helped to inspire a stewardship ethic for our national parks in its members.
“We are proud to support the National Park Foundation and ARAMARK is excited to welcome First Bloom back to Philadelphia,” said Bruce Fears, president, ARAMARK Parks & Destinations. “ARAMARK has a deep respect for and commitment to protecting and improving the environment. This program enables us to educate today’s youth about the importance of making a connection between the preservation of National Parks and protection of their local communities’ natural resources.”
Today the girls planted approximately 50 perennials native to Philadelphia including: Summersweets, Sweet Azaleas, Lowbush Blueberries, Tiny Dancers and Franklin Trees in a garden of Independence National Historical Park. The garden is adjacent to Carpenter’s Hall. Carpenter’s Hall hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774 and is near the 18th Century Garden that displays a plaque honoring Lady Bird Johnson. Prior to the planting, the girls toured the 18th Century Garden and learned about its plants and trees.
“We are pleased that Independence National Historical Park can once again be part of this national effort to reach out to urban youth,” said Darla Sidles, Deputy Superintendent of Independence National Historical Park. “Helping this next generation learn about the environment and conservation – really get involved with what we do in the National Park Service – is our highest priority, and this event helps us do that.”
First Bloom was launched in 2007 by then National Park Foundation Honorary Chair, Mrs. Laura Bush, in honor of the conservation legacy of Lady Bird Johnson. First Bloom is a nationwide conservation program of the National Park Foundation that partners urban youth groups with National Park Service Rangers to teach them the value of native plants, encouraging them to protect the environment in America’s celebrated national parks and in their own backyards.
Partners in the initiative include the National Park Service, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, local Boys and Girls Clubs and youth organizations across the country that reach out to young people in their communities. In 2008, the program was launched in five U.S. cities with an initial contribution that ARAMARK helped secure. Now, in its second year, the program has expanded to serve 16 national parks in communities across the country.
About the National Park Foundation The National Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to continue a century-long tradition of private philanthropy ensuring funding to preserve and enhance the legacy of our national parks. As the official non-profit partner of America’s National Parks, the National Park Foundation does not receive federal appropriations for their support. The National Park Foundation serves to strengthen the connection between the American people and their national parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. Support of the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich heritage of our nation remains vital and relevant.
About ARAMARK ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. In FORTUNE magazine's 2009 list of "World's Most Admired Companies," ARAMARK was ranked number one in its industry, consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired companies in its industry as evaluated by peers and analysts. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 260,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries.
About Independence National Historical Park A unit of the National Park Service, Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, PA, was created by an Act of Congress on June 28, 1948. Independence NHP, accredited by the American Association of Museums, covers almost 54 acres in Philadelphia’s Old City, and includes Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Franklin Court, and other historic buildings associated with the founding of the United States. The park is open daily with the exception of Christmas day. A visit to Independence National Historical Park should start at the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th and Market Streets. Here, visitors can pick up a park brochure, park map, and free timed tickets for guided tours of Independence Hall.
Contact Information
Mollie Fullington, Linden Alschuler & Kaplan for the National Park Fo
(212)575-4545, mfullington@lakpr.com
