IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2008
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724.738.4854

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Local Audubon honors SRU for wildlife sanctuaries 

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University has received a Conservation Award from the Bartramian Audubon Society for establishing four Audubon wildlife sanctuaries since 2005. The sanctuaries, part of the University’s green landscape and outdoor learning initiative, preserve 210 acres.

            Robert Smith, University president, accepted the award at the Bartramian’s Society’s 25th anniversary awards banquet at Jennings Environmental Education Center. Three Slippery Rock students established the local chapter, which encompasses Butler, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango counties, in 1983.

            The sanctuaries include 83 acres at the Robert A. Macoskey Center for Sustainable Systems Education and Research, 73 acres behind the Old Stone House, 42 acres of Miller forest on Wolf Creek and 16 acres of forest off South Main Street.  

            SRU also received a Certificate of Recognition noting that the properties provide the necessary elements for birds and butterflies to survive.

                     Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.