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EPA Recognizes Environmental Education Center’s Accomplishments in Hutchins, Texas

Release Date: 11/9/1999
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

      U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke will present a plaque to the six partners who have made the Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) Hutchins Environmental Education Center in Hutchins, Texas, a success. The ceremony, part of the EPA Region 6 recognition of National Education Week Nov. 15-19, 1999, will conclude Field Day events for students from Wilmer-Hutchins Independent School District (ISD) and the Dallas Youth Services Corps.

      "The BFI Hutchins Environmental Education Center is a great example of what government, industry, communities, educators and local groups can accomplish by working together. This strong partnership will continue to enhance wildlife and wetlands, promote community relations, and provide environmental education to local youth for years to come. It is truly an investment in our future," said Cooke.

      The Center is part of EPA's "5 Star Program," which involves local partners in wetland restoration and enhancement projects.  EPA's 1997 grant of $10,000 helped establish a partnership between EPA, BFI, Wildlife Habitat Council, National Association of Service and Conservation Corps, Dallas Youth Services Corps, Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Wilmer-Hutchins ISD.

      The Center gives children hands-on opportunities to plant trees, install birdhouses and construct nature trails, among other activities. Volunteers at the onsite Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center rehabilitate injured birds and educate the public about birds. Field Day events will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a hay ride around the wetlands area. Students will also learn about bird rehabilitation, landfill operation/gas flaring, recycling, fish habitat, wetlands and watersheds through demonstrations by employees of the EPA, BFI and Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

     WHO:      Gregg Cooke, EPA Regional Administrator

     WHEN:     1:00 p.m., Monday, November 15, 1999

     WHERE:    BFI Hutchins Environmental Education Center, at the closed BFI landfill
               in Hutchins, Texas, about 12 miles south of Downtown Dallas.  
               From Dallas, take I-45 south, past I-20, to the Dowdy-Ferry Road exit,
               make the U-turn at the underpass, go north 1/4 mile on service road to
               Cleveland Road, turn right, go about one mile, the facility is on the left.
               The sign by the road says "Trinity Waste."