*** MEDIA ADVISORY***
NFL DRAFT TO RESTORE ECOLOGICAL WILDLIFE AREA AT LINCOLN PARK AS PART OF “GREENING” OF CHICAGO EVENTS
WHO
JACK GROH, Director, NFL Environmental Program
STEVE VAN DINTER, Verizon, Regional PR Manager
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS
WHAT
The NFL is teaming with Verizon, the Chicago Park District, and community volunteers including students and faculty from the University of Chicago for an ecological restoration project along the Lake Michigan Shoreline at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary.
This local urban natural area in the heart of the city has benefited from years of volunteer involvement and restoration. As part of this project, invasive plants are being removed, native and other plants introduced and the environment improved for both wildlife and for visitors seeking a connection to nature. This is a multi-year project by the Chicago Park District.
The NFL and Verizon are helping support the first phase of this project during Draft week. This phase involves the planting of 23 small demonstration areas – each one dedicated to a different native Illinois species. These small demonstration gardens will help visitors and students learn about the variety of plants native to the region.
WHEN
Tuesday, April 26, 2016, 9 a.m.–12:p.m.
WHERE
Sanctuary trail entrance at Montrose Point parking lot, downtown Chicago
(Drive east on Montrose, past Lake Shore Drive towards the lake and as the road turns north, take the first right by the bait shop. Continue to the natural area on the left, just before the harbor parking lot.)
MEDIA INFO
Best media/photo opportunities 10 a.m.
CONTACT
Jack Groh, NFL Environmental Program, (401) 952-0886 (cell)
Steve Van Dinter, Verizon, 608-346-3357