Wildlife Trust Named Recipient of Nature’s Path 2009 Envirokidz Giving Back Award

NEW YORK – August 12, 2009 – Wildlife Trust, the conservation organization that empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystems and human health, announced that it was named a recipient of Nature’s Path Organic Foods’ 2009 EnviroKidz Giving Back Award.  The Giving Back Program donates money to non-profit organizations that support endangered species, habitat conservation, and environmental education for kids.

“Nature’s Path Foods continues to be a strong supporter of Wildlife Trust.  For over ten years, we have been able to create educational programming for local communities around the globe,” said Dr. Peter Daszak, President of Wildlife Trust.  “This funding will help us continue conservation efforts, in both Mexico and Bolivia, to protect endangered bat species and educate local communities about them.”  

Bats are critical to the balance of ecosystems, providing seed dispersal, pollination, and insect control. However, in Latin America, bats are vilified and often harmed due to a lack of education about their ecological importance. Wildlife Trust's partners in Mexico and Bolivia work to dispel the myths surrounding bats in these countries through targeted, environmental, education programs.

This project will create educational exhibits in Mexico and Bolivia providing vital information on bats and their importance to ecosystems. The exhibits will target communities near critical bat habitats to help educate and change opinions about this amazing species.  To learn more about Wildlife Trust’ bat conservation programs please visit http://www.wildlifetrust.org.

“We are committed to leaving the world a better place than we found it by supporting organizations like Wildlife Trust,” said Arran Stephens, President and Founder of Nature’s Path Organic Foods.  “We are extremely proud to be able to give back to this dedicated and hard-working group and are grateful to the consumers who have supported our EnviroKidz line and made this possible.”
 
Nature’s Path, North America’s number-one, organic, cereal manufacturer is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its EnviroKidz Giving Back Award this year.  For more information please visit www.naturespath.com or www.envirokidz.com.

About Wildlife Trust
Wildlife Trust empowers local conservation scientists worldwide to protect nature and safeguard ecosystem and human health. Wildlife Trust is a conservation science innovator and leverages research expertise through strategic global alliances. Wildlife Trust pioneered the field of Conservation Medicine, a new discipline that addresses the link between ecological disruption of habitats and the effects on wildlife, livestock and human health.

Founded in 1971 by British naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, Wildlife Trust has built its reputation on 35 years of global research, education, training and experience. Research and conservation work in the United States include programs in Florida and along the coast of the Southeastern U.S.

Internationally, Wildlife Trust trains and supports a network of scientists around the world to save endangered species and their habitats and to protect the health of vital ecosystems. Wildlife Trust created the first egalitarian international network of science-based conservation organizations called the Wildlife Trust Alliance and is a founding partner organization of the Consortium for Conservation Medicine, a unique think-tank of prestigious academic institutions.

About Nature’s Path
Founded in 1985, Nature’s Path Organic Foods is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia and employs around 350 people at its four facilities in Canada and the United States.  The privately held, family-owned company produces breakfast foods and snacks sold in specialty foods stores and retailers in 40 countries around the world. The company’s innovative brands include Nature’s Path®, Flax Plus, EnviroKidz®, Weil by Nature’s PathTM, and Optimum®. Visit Nature’s Path online at www.naturespath.com.

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::Media Contact::

Anthony Ramos, Wildlife Trust
Director for Marketing & Communications
ramos@wildlifetrust.org
1-212-380-4469 (office) | 1-914-787-9631 (mobile)