Environmental Leaders Kick Off
Rachel Carson Centennial Celebration

Program Honors Renowned Maryland Environmentalist

What:	Press conference launching Rachel Carson Centennial Celebration, including: New Rachel Carson Scholar Program for Maryland high school students Consumer tips to save energy and protect the environment Proclamation of Rachel Carson Day in Maryland
When:	12 p.m., Tuesday, March 6
Where:	Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Room
	Room 2E
	Miller Senate Building
	11 Bladen St.
	Annapolis, Md

Editors’ note: Journalists interested in writing about Rachel Carson’s legacy can contact Amy Newton or Mary Alex at the Newton Marasco Foundation as a resource at 703-748-7575.

BETHESDA, Md., — Environmental leaders will launch the Centennial Celebration of a Marylander who pioneered the modern environmental movement and awakened America’s environmental conscience. The Rachel Carson Centennial Celebration kicks off at a March 6 press conference at the Miller Senate Building with Maryland Senator Brian Frosh, state education officials and the Newton Marasco Foundation.

The noon press conference will take place before a 1 p.m. hearing on Frosh’s bill to declare May 27 — Carson’s birthday — as Rachel Carson Day in Maryland. The hearing will take place in the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, located at 2 West Miller Senate Building.

“Before there was An Inconvenient Truth, there was Silent Spring,” said Amy Marasco Newton, president of the Newton Marasco Foundation, an environmental foundation based in McLean, Va. “The legacy of Rachel Carson is more relevant today than ever before, and her message of environmental stewardship must not be forgotten.”

The Centennial Celebration marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the long-time Silver Spring, Md., resident. As an acclaimed nature writer, scientist and ecologist, Carson sparked the modern environmental movement with the 1962 publication of her landmark book Silent Spring, exposing the dangers of chemical pesticides.

In his introduction to the 40th anniversary edition of Silent Spring, Al Gore wrote, “ …without this book, the environmental movement might have been long delayed or never have developed at all…”

More than forty years ago, Carson called on Congress to create new policies to protect human health and the environment. Her scientific work and writings led to milestone environmental legislation in the U.S. and abroad. Sixteen years after her death in 1964, President Carter awarded Carson the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“A generation ago, Miss Carson inspired a national debate that changed the way we view the world, and I am proud to continue that discussion today,” Newton said. “By celebrating Miss Carson’s legacy, we hope more Americans will join us in protecting and improving our environment.”

The Newton Marasco Foundation’s mission is to promote responsible environmental stewardship. It designs innovative programs that foster learning, appreciation and caring for the natural environment. For more information, visit: www.newtonmarascofoundation.org

At the press conference, the Newton Marasco Foundation and Rebecca Bell, environmental education specialist from the Maryland State Department of Education, will announce a new Rachel Carson Scholar program for Maryland high school juniors and seniors who have actively participated in community-based environmental stewardship activities. Scholars must have strong academic records. All the scholars will be recognized at an awards ceremony May 24, and the top three winners will receive monetary awards: $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place and $500 for third place.

“Rachel Carson is a legendary figure in Maryland history,” said Frosh, an environmental leader in Maryland. “She bravely crusaded against the environmental dangers of her time and her example inspires us to do the same today.”

Sen. Brian Frosh, an environmental leader in Maryland, also will introduce his proclamation to mark May 27 — Carson’s birthday — as Rachel Carson Day in Maryland. “Rachel Carson is a legendary figure in Maryland history,” Frosh said. “She bravely crusaded against the environmental dangers of her time and her example inspires us to do the same today.”

Kyle Tanger, a principal at Clear Carbon Consulting, will present a practical list of energy-saving tips for consumers, such as using energy-efficient light bulbs, buying Energy Star appliances and unplugging appliances not used regularly.

A representative of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, based in Annapolis, Md., will speak about Carson’s lasting contribution in Maryland and the nation.

The Newton Marasco Foundation also is sponsoring other Centennial Celebration events to encourage the environmental stewardship championed by Rachel Carson:

March 9 — The D.C. Environmental Film Festival will feature a special presentation of A Sense of Wonder, a one-woman play by Virginia actress Kaiulani Lee about the life of Rachel Carson. The show begins 7 p.m. at the Carnegie Institution, 1530 P St. NW. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.newtonmarascofoundation.org.
May 9 — A special Capitol Hill presentation of A Sense of Wonder for members of Congress and staffers on natural resources.
May 24 — A production of A Sense of Wonder and a ceremony recognizing the 2007 Rachel Carson Scholars will take place at the Patuxent Research Refuge National Wildlife Visitor Center in Laurel, Md. The play begins at 1 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Visit patuxent.fws.gov or call 301-497-5887 to register.