For Immediate Release Sept 1, 2003                          
Contact:   Erin Oliver
               Biodiversity Project
               (608) 250-9876 
               eoliver@biodiverse.org

(Madison, WI) Did you know that Zionsville, IN managed to save 200 acres of habitat thanks to the inspiration of one woman?  Or that a strikingly diverse coalition of community groups, agencies and businesses has partially restored the eight-mile long Bronx River after decades of neglect?  How about Chicago Mayor Daley’s ambitious plan to not only protect but enhance that city’s natural areas? 

The Biodiversity Project is embarking on a research and public outreach campaign to uncover more of these innovative community based solutions to the biodiversity crisis in the U.S.  And we want those who either know of or live in such a community to tell us what the community is doing to protect biodiversity, how they are doing it and how others can do the same.  To nominate a community, please log on to www.biodiversityproject.org/greatcommunitynominationform.htm. 

We are seeking examples of communities that have adopted unique and effective activities that result in positive outcomes for biodiversity.  “Activity” is a broad term that can include projects, programs, events, local policy initiatives and so on.  Each community will be chosen on the basis of one or a collection of activities that demonstrate an outstanding effort to protect biodiversity within the community.   

Communities can be of varying sizes throughout the United States, and we are especially interested in those places that do not yet have a reputation for sustainability but are making important strides in their efforts to protect local biodiversity. 

Selected nominations will be featured in a report to be released by the Biodiversity Project and will be used to generate local and national media coverage on Great Communities for People and Nature.  We will also feature the communities on the Biodiversity Project Web site.

Three of the responses received by October 15, 2003 will be selected at random to receive a donation of $100.00 to the conservation organization of the nominator's choice.  In order to be eligible, the nomination must be completed in full and must represent a valid biodiversity conservation activity.

The Biodiversity Project reaches out to Americans in ways that help them understand the connections between nature and their daily lives.  Our mission is to advocate for biodiversity by designing and implementing innovative communication strategies that build and motivate a broad constituency to protect biodiversity.