News Releases @ TCC

TCC-CHESAPEAKE CAMPUS RECOGNIZED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE

CHESAPEAKE, VA - (Oct. 6, 2005) - Tidewater Community College-Chesapeake Campus has achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), the educational division of Audubon International.

Tidewater Community College-Chesapeake Campus is the first property in Virginia and the 45th in the world to be certified in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Business and Corporate Properties. Lisa Behm, biology professor, has led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this property and is being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International.

“Tidewater Community College-Chesapeake Campus has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on their property,” said Jeremy Taylor, staff ecologist for the ACSS. “By taking action to implement indoor and outdoor conservation projects, the management and staff at Tidewater Community College-Chesapeake Campus have demonstrated their commitment to the sustainable management of their natural resources.”

Linda Rice, provost of the Chesapeake Campus, noted, “With our campus’s proximity to the Great Dismal Swamp, the Elizabeth River and wetlands that harbor irreplaceable native species, we’re proud to serve as a model, promoting environmental stewardship for our region through education, conservation and outreach.”

The exacting and comprehensive process to achieve certification requires institutions and businesses to demonstrate maintenance of a high degree of environmental quality in five areas: Environmental Planning, Wildlife Habitat Management, Resource Conservation, Waste Management, and Outreach and Education.

For the certification process under the leadership of Lisa Behm, TCC-Chesapeake Campus performed dozens of in-depth activities including:
· Wildlife inventory - ranging from great blue herons to eagles to fox, raccoons, otters and possums
· Documenting habitats - such as size and vegetation of buffers between different wetland areas, dominant species and vegetation in each area - all with narrative, photos and maps
· Building more habitat - including nest-box building
· Outreach - developing and running a Bird Camp for children; building nature trails; creating relationships with the city and citizens as stewards of the environment

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs provide information and guidance to help businesses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Businesses, schools, golf courses, and backyards from the United States, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.

For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Road, Selkirk, N.Y. 12158, (518) 767-9051, acss@auduboninternational.org or visit their website at www.auduboninternational.org.

Contact: Jeremy Taylor, Staff Ecologist
Audubon International
(518) 767-9051 ext. 24