WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) Joseph Pizarchik will take part in the grand opening ceremony of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, a preservation and public education and recreation project, as part of Interior's commitment to water restoration and connecting youth to the great outdoors.
The Secretary and Director will join Pittsburgh Botanic Garden President Greg Nace, Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18), Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and other local leaders for a tour and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Woodlands section of the project. A media availability will follow the ceremony.
“This is the culmination of a decades-long effort by a group of dedicated community volunteers to create a beautiful botanic garden that will attract thousands of visitors a year, pumping money into the local economy while improving the environment,” said Jewell. “The Department of the Interior was proud to partner with private individuals, businesses, and all levels of government from across the spectrum to leverage our collective resources and expertise in this long challenge to convert these lands into a community asset for all to enjoy.”
When fully complete, the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, located 20 minutes west of the city, will include 18 distinct gardens, five diverse woodland experiences, an amphitheater for outdoor concerts and performances, an event center and a botanic research facility.
As part of the Obama Administration's “Day in the Life” efforts, Secretary Jewell will also spend time on Friday with a volunteer teacher who is using the botanic garden as an outdoor classroom to connect urban youth to the great outdoors. The Secretary will meet with students from the Human Services Center's Kids Outgoing, Outdoing, and Learning (KOOL) Summer Program to talk about the importance of creating the next generation of conservationists. The Department has launched an ambitious initiative to inspire millions of young people and veterans to play, learn, serve and work outdoors.
WHO:
Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior
Joe Pizarchik, Director, Office of Surface Mining and Enforcement
Greg Nace, President, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Tim Murphy, U.S. Representative (PA-18)
Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Executive
WHAT:
Grand Opening of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
WHEN:
Friday, Aug. 1, 2014
9:30 am EDT – Media check-in
9:45 am EDT – Tour of the garden
11:15 am EDT – Ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by brief media availability
WHERE:
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
1082 Pinkerton Run Road
Oakdale, PA 15071
RSVP:
Credentialed members of the media interested in covering the event are encouraged to RSVP HERE by 6:00 pm EDT on Thursday, July 31.
NOTE:
Additional logistical information will be given to confirmed members of the media.
Source: Department of Interior
