Press Release

Boy Scout Troop 424 Spends “Season of Giving” Giving Back to Wildlife at Waste Management's El Sobrante Landfill
Native trees to be planted on El Sobrante wildlife preserve destroyed by fire

Temescal Valley, CA, December 13, 2007 - During the Christmas break, Boy Scout Troop 424 will help to partially restore the El Sobrante wildlife habitat preserve that was destroyed earlier in the year by fire.

The fire, which destroyed nearly 200 acres of El Sobrante’s habitat preserve, placed in jeopardy the livelihood of the 31 protected species identified at the preserve.

“Given how many animals call the preserve home, we acted quickly to start monitoring the damaged areas and restore them for many of the native winter and riparian birds that build their nests here,” said Diana Saucedo-Ortiz, a biologist for Waste Management’s El Sobrante Wildlife Preserve.

On Wednesday, December 19th, the Boy Scouts will work side by side with biologists to plant sycamore and cottonwood trees. According to Saucedo-Ortiz, the trees not only are a valuable source of forage and cover for wildlife in the area, but are important in controlling erosion and restoring the beauty of El Sobrante’s habitat preserve for future generations.

Waste Management has committed, in conjunction with the County of Riverside, 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 that will go towards earning their merit badges. More importantly, they will learn an important life lesson of caring for wildlife habitat and pride that they have accomplished a positive long-term impact in their community.

“In 10 to15 years, these Boy Scouts can come back to our wildlife preserve and be proud that they helped the environment through planting trees”, 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 will also 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 Tami Brewer, Boy Scout Troop 424 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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