FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 4, 2007
Heathwood Hall’s Intermediate School named Champion of the Environment
COLUMBIA – Heathwood Hall’s Intermediate School has received a $500 grant from Champions of the Environment to enhance its rain garden, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“The students have developed ownership for this project, their enthusiasm and desire to continue the work they began last year is compelling,” said Payton Sasnett, a science teacher at Heathwood Hall. “Many students have encouraged their family and friends to construct similar gardens in their communities.”
“Rain gardens are a place to direct the rain from rooftops and paved areas. They are constructed as bowl-shaped ponding areas and landscaped using largely native plant species,” said Lynne LaSalle, project coordinator for Champions of the Environment. “Unlike impervious rooftops and pavement, rain gardens keep rainwater in the local environment and allow rainwater to naturally recharge groundwater.”
LaSalle said rain gardens also protect the quality of surface water and groundwater by filtering runoff pollutants such as automobile fluids, pet wastes, pesticides and fertilizers.
The $500 will allow students to complete the rain garden begun last year. In addition to the grant, these Champions of the Environment will also receive Champions giveaway items and a commercial about the project will be aired on WIS-TV.
Champions of the Environment is celebrating its 15th year of rewarding environmental action and awareness in South Carolina’s kindergarten through 12th grade students. Champions is sponsored by International Paper, Eastman Chemical Company, WIS-TV and DHEC. Five grants are awarded during the school year over two grant cycles. Applications for Champions’ next round of grants are due January 15.
For more information, or to apply, visit the Champions’ Web site at: http://www.scdhec.gov/champions, or call LaSalle at (803) 898-4394.
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For more information:
Lynne LaSalle – (803) 898-4394
E-mail – lasallli@dhec.sc.gov
or
Adam Myrick – (803) 898-3884
E-mail – myrickar@dhec.sc.gov
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