Press Releases 2007

Eco-Fair on May 12

Contact: Janet Peterson, Marketing and Public Relations Director

Tel: 800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800 x108

Fax: 856-825-2410

E- Mail: jpeterson@wheatonarts.org

ECO-FAIR AT WHEATONARTS: GREEN LIVING FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN - PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY

MILLVILLE, NJ – The Eco-Fair at WheatonArts: Green Living For Your Home and Garden, May 12, is a new event produced in partnership with the Cumberland County Improvement Authority. The exhibitors and presenters will provide visitors with information, resources, products and real solutions for people to live better, healthier lives with less environmental impact.

Visitors will meet Mike McGrath, host of the weekly, nationally syndicated Public Radio show “You Bet Your Garden.” The show airs every Saturday morning at 11 a.m. on WHYY-FM (90.9) in Philadelphia, reaching an average of 50,000 listeners throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware every week. The show offers tips on caring for plants, fending off pests, wrestling with weeds, and dealing with disease. McGrath will conduct two sessions during the event - “Composting Made Easy” at 11 a.m. and “Get Your Lawn Off Drugs” at 1 p.m. Attendees to “Composting Made Easy” will receive a composter for $25.00. It is first-come, first served due to limited quantities. This session is sponsored by the Cumberland County Improvement Authority.

McGrath was editor-in-chief of Organic Gardening Magazine from 1991 through 1997. The one time Marvel Comics editor is the author of several books, including Kitchen Garden A to Z (Abrams; 2004) and You Bet Your Tomatoes (Rodale; 2002). He is also the Garden Editor for WTOP News Radio in Washington, D.C., and his "You Bet Your Garden" column appears in every issue of Greenprints ("The Weeder's Digest"). He was the garden expert for the Saturday edition of The Today Show from 1993 through 1997, and chaired major exhibits that won four consecutive "Best of Show" awards at the Philadelphia Flower Show.

The Eco-Fair begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 5 p.m. The presentation schedule is:

All Day
Meet professionals involved in environmental services and products. Talk with nonprofit organizations who are committed to improving the quality of life.

10 a.m.
“Seeking Energy Solutions” presented by South Jersey Gas, Energy Enterprises and the State of New Jersey Division of Water Supply

10:30 a.m.
“Master Gardeners Nature Walk”

11 a.m.
“Composting Made Easy” with Mike McGrath

Noon to 2 p.m.
“Kids Activities” Children will participate in a variety of educational and entertaining projects.

1 p.m.
“Get Your Lawn Off Drugs” with Mike McGrath

2 p.m.
“Master Gardeners Nature Walk”

2:30 p.m.
“Backyard and Community Habitats” presented by Rutgers University, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Community Forestry Program and the New Jersey Audubon Society.

2:30 p.m.
“Tour the Scenic Maurice River Bluffs Nature Conservancy Trail.” Registration required. $10.00 fee. The bus returns to WheatonArts by 5 p.m.

The event also features related vendors, native plant sales, live animals, door prizes, giveaways, an outdoor café, and live music provided by the group, Package Goods Orchestra, from Galloway Township, NJ.

The Eco-Fair is included in the price of admission to WheatonArts. Admission: Adults $10.00, Senior Adults $9.00 and Students $7.00. Children five and under are free. WheatonArts is home to the Museum of American Glass, the Creative Glass Center of America International Fellowship Program, the Down Jersey Folklife Center, the hot glass studio, several traditional craft studios, and museum stores. In addition to daily glass blowing and craft demonstrations, WheatonArts features special exhibitions, programs, workshops, performances and several weekend festivals throughout the year.

For more information about WheatonArts, call 1-800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, or visit online at www.wheatonarts.org. For more information about the Cumberland County Improvement Authority, call 856-825-3700, or visit online at www.ccia-net.com.

WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Individuals needing special assistance or accommodations should contact WheatonArts at least two weeks in advance. Patrons with hearing and speech disabilities may contact WheatonArts through the New Jersey Relay Service (TRS) 800-852-7899 or by dialing 711.         

Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Additional funds provided by the New Jersey Cultural Trust. WheatonArts received a general operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State. Funds provided in part through the Cooperative Marketing Grant Program of the Economic Growth and Tourism Commission, Office of Travel and Tourism, and a grant from the Cumberland County Improvement Authority.

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