NC Zoo's Saturday event helps polar bears, environment
Posted on 10/14/10ASHEBORO, NC - In an effort to help save polar-bear habitats throughout the world, North Carolina Zoo keepers will team with Trees Seagrove and Acres for the Atmosphere on Saturday, Oct. 16, at Clay Presnell Park in Seagrove to plant trees to help reduce carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere.
The event, sponsored by Polar Bears International and the American Association of Zookeepers, will begin at 8 a.m., with tree plantings, followed by a picnic at noon.
"We (will be) adding shade and life to Seagrove's park and reducing carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere," said Marissa Krouse, a polar-bear keeper at the N.C. Zoo. "Trees play an important role in combating climate change as they use the carbon dioxide for photosynthesis by storing carbon and releasing oxygen for us to breathe. Each of us can do our part in saving the polar bears' sea ice," she added, "and we want to do it together as a community on Saturday."
Students from Seagrove Elementary School have created posters to illustrate the role trees play in combating this change, and poster-contest winners will receive trees planted in their name and marked by plaques created by Seagrove potter Bonnie Burns.
Attendees can peruse "Ask the Arborist" and "All About Polar Bears" information booths provided by both Trees NC and the N.C. Zoo.
Food and refreshments will be available, with proceeds benefiting the management of Clay Presnell Park.
Those who wish to volunteer to help with the planting should arrive at the park by 8 a.m. For more information, contact [email protected]. The event is made possible, in part, from Green Biz and Gilmore Plant & Bulb Co., Inc.
The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment & Natural Resources, Dee Freeman, Secretary; Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor.
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