Cumberland County Improvement Authority


	Steven R. Wymbs Executive Director Board Members Albert B. Kelly Chairman Sumner N. Lippincott Vice Chairman Virginia E. Curliss, Treasurer Clair H. Miller Assistant Treasurer Joseph W. Veight III Secretary Todd W. Heck, Esq. Solicitor Bruce T. Peterson Co Freeholder Liaison Louis N. Magazzu Co Freeholder Liaison

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 24, 2006

IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY SPONSORS BACKYARD CONSERVATION COURSE

MILLVILLE, NEW JERSEY: The Cumberland County Improvement Authority will sponsor a Backyard Conservation Course on Saturday, May 13, 2006. The three-hour event will be held from 9:00AM to Noon at Wheaton Village, which is located on Glasstown Road in Millville. Individuals who complete the course will receive a free backyard composter which has a retail value of $99.00. Event co-sponsors include Wheaton Village, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the New Jersey Audubon Society, Home Depot, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

“ The 2006 Backyard Conservation Program will be more extensive and educational than previous years,” said Cumberland County Recycling Coordinator Dennis DeMatte, Jr. “The program has evolved from a course on backyard composting into one that includes methods to reduce yard waste, creating a backyard habitat, and other conservation efforts you can utilize at home. It will be a very well-rounded and educational opportunity.”

“ The previous courses have been very popular with County residents and always fills up fast,” said Improvement Authority Board Recycling Committee Chairperson Virginia Curliss. “Over the last twelve years, we have distributed over 2,000 composters to County residents through the program. With the new emphasis this year, many resident who have participated in the seminar in the past may want to sign up again.”

“ We are very excited in welcoming our new partners to this year’s event,” DeMatte continued. “The New Jersey Audubon Society will present information on how to attract and identify birds in your backyard, and the Wildlife Service will present information on how to improve your backyard habitat. The new location at Wheaton Village will help highlight their Master Gardner Program. In addition, we welcome back returning partners including the Rutgers Cooperative Extension and Home Depot who will be making interesting and informative presentations.”

“ The registration fee for the Backyard Conservation Course is $25.00, payable to the Cumberland County Improvement Authority at the event. Pre-registration is required. We encourage you to register early as space is limited. The proceeds from the registration fee will be used to purchase additional composter units for future courses. To register for the 2006 Smart Gardening Course, please call (856) 327-8326.

For more information on recycling programs in Cumberland County, please visit our Web site at www.ccia-net.com.

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For more information about this press release, please contact Dennis DeMatte, Jr. t 825-3700.