CHARLESTOWN, N.H.--The Student Conservation Association (SCA), in partnership with American Eagle Outfitters, hosts its second annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program in the Grand Canyon. Sixty college students representing 60 colleges from across the country are opting to spend their spring breaks performing environmental service projects in the mile-deep chasms and high desert forests of Arizona’s most iconic national park.
The SCA Alternative Spring Break at Grand Canyon will run two one-week sessions, with 30 members attending each week:
1st Session: Saturday March 14 - Saturday March 21, 2009
2nd Session: Sunday March 22 - Saturday March 28, 2009
Assisting the Grand Canyon Vegetation Department, the crews will work to preserve Grand Canyon’s fragile ecosystems through hand pulling invasive vegetation, native plant propagation, nursery assistance and monitoring.
“I hiked the Grand Canyon when I was 14 years old and have been trying to get back ever since,” said NYU student Emma DeGrand. “I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to help preserve a natural phenomenon that has inspired me for so many years, an experience I know will stay with me forever.”
Members and four field staff will make camp at two Group Campsites at the Mathers Campground on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and spend their days engaging in hands-on conservation service. All crew members will be provided with food, transportation and travel reimbursement.
“SCA has engaged more than 54,000 high school, college and graduate students from all over the country in conservation service projects,” said SCA president Dale Penny. “Alternative Spring Break allows us to extend our reach to even more diverse and environmentally aware students who set an extraordinary example by serving in these ecologically sensitive parks.”
Director of the AE Foundation Marcie Eberhart adds, “The environment is one of the most important issues among AE customers today. We are delighted to provide an opportunity to students who want to give back during their Spring Break vacation, and hopefully inspire others to do so in the future.”
Visit SCA online for more information and updates about Alternative Spring Break [1] or check out SCA’s blog Conservation Nation [2].
About Student Conservation Association
SCA is a nationwide conservation force of college and high school volunteers who protect and restore America’s parks, forests, refuges, seashores and communities. For more than 50 years, SCA’s active, hands-on practice of conservation has helped to develop a new generation of conservation leaders, inspire lifelong stewardship, and save the planet. SCA is a non-profit headquartered in Charlestown, New Hampshire with regional offices in Washington D.C., Oakland, Pittsburgh and Seattle.
About American Eagle Outfitters
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., through its subsidiaries, (“AEO, Inc.”) offers high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices. The American Eagle Outfitters® brand targets 15 to 25 year old girls and guys, with 954 stores in the U.S. and Canada and online at www.ae.com [3]. aerie® by american eagle offers Dormwear® and intimates collections for the AE® girl, with 116 standalone stores in the U.S. and Canada and online at www.aerie.com [4]. AE.COM®, the online home of the brands of AEO, Inc. ships to more than 60 countries worldwide.