Press Release

Chino Boy Scout Troop 201 Helps Restore Native Plant Garden At Waste Management’s El Sobrante Landfill

Temescal Valley, CA, February 14, 2008 - The Chino Boy Scout Troop, ranging in ages six to eleven, will be teaming up with El Sobrante biologists to restore the native plant garden at the El Sobrante landfill.

On Saturday, February 23, the Boy Scouts will work side-by-side with biologists to create a showcase garden for bird and butterfly species of the area. The group will be weeding out invasive and plant species and replace them with native species to the area.

El Sobrante biologists will discuss the importance of native plants to maintaining the butterfly and bird population as well as for all other native animals in the area.

"Without a healthy native plant population, we cannot have a unique ecosystem here," said Diana Saucedo-Ortiz, a biologist for Waste Management’s El Sobrante Wildlife Preserve.

In conjunction with the County of Riverside, Waste Management has committed, more than 600 acres of its El Sobrante Landfill area to permanent wildlife preserve. Endangered and protected species that live at the landfill include the coastal California gnatcatcher and Stephen’s kangaroo rat. More information on the preserve can be found at www.keepinginlandempireclean.com.

The Boy Scouts’ time and commitment will be awarded with points towards earning their merit badges. More importantly, they will learn a valuable life lesson about the importance of native plants to our environment and they’ll know that they have accomplished a positive long-term impact in their community.

"It's wonderful to work with young people like the Boy Scout Troop 201. They will be the stewards of tomorrow, who are assuring that the beauty and natural resources of our community will be preserved for future generations." said Damon De Frates, Senior District Manager for El Sobrante Landfill. "Taking care of the wildlife preserve is part of Waste Management's commitment to being a good neighbor and a good steward of the environment."

While on the site, the Boy Scouts also will take a landfill tour and learn about the importance of recycling.

"Our troop is always looking for opportunities to do good and learn ways to help preserve our natural resources," said Christy Bradley, Boy Scout Troop 201 leader. "We are proud to have this chance to work with Waste Management. Their willingness to partner with us on this important project has been great."

Waste Management’s El Sobrante Landfill is located in the unincorporated area of Riverside County. The landfill serves more than one million Inland Empire residents and is a critical component of Riverside County and the greater Los Angeles region’s infrastructure. The site has more than XXX acres in permanent preservation and is a critical component of preserving open space in Riverside County. For more information on the landfill, please go to www.keepinginlandempireclean.com.

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