Centre faculty member accepts award for environmental organization

RELEASED: June 8, 2006

EQC Chairman Lindell Ormsbee presents an Earth Day Award to the Clark's Run Environmental and Educational Corporation. From left: Rose-Marie Roessler, Malissa McAllister, Donna Fechter and Lindell Ormsbee.

DANVILLE, KY—The Kentucky Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) recognized the Clark's Run Environmental and Education Corporation (CREEC) for their contributions to the environment in an Earth Day ceremony at McConnell Springs in Lexington, Ky. The award was accepted by Rose-Marie Roessler, instructor of biology and lab coordinator at Centre.

CREEC was formed in 2005 by a group of dedicated individuals from Boyle County with three goals: improving water quality within the impaired Clark's Run stream basin; providing water-quality-enhancement education to local residents and students; and extending an existing creekside recreational trail. Centre students and faculty alike have made major contributions over the years to these goals through volunteerism, class projects, and faculty/student research. (To learn more, go to www.centre.edu/web/news/2003/bug03.html or

www.centre.edu/web/pow/2005/9.22.05.htmlorwww.centre.edu/web/news/2002/clean02.html

"Groups and individuals, children as well as adults, are being recognized for doing their part to help protect the environment we all enjoy," said LaJuana S. Wilchesr, secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. "All Kentuckians should follow their example as stewards of our fragile environment. I congratulate and encourage them to continue in their efforts."

CREEC and nine other individuals/groups were recognized by the EQC for a variety of programs and initiatives. Currently the group is involved in—

• assisting local government with stormwater permit requirements;
• assisting with the Kentucky Division of Water's development of a Clean Water Action Plan for the larger Dix River watershed;
• participating as Kentucky River Watershed Watch volunteers to annually monitor sites within the stream;
• providing funding and technical support for the Clark's River Corridor Plan, which includes a biological assessment of the stream and construction of a nature trail that will connect the stream to the local community;
• providing educational opportunities to local students that include biological monitoring and installation of educational signage along the stream.

The Clark's Run Environmental and Educational Corporation has proved to be a potent resource for the protection and enhancement of the local watershed.

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Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/

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