SUCCESSFUL EFFORT BY LOCAL TEENS

    /24-7PressRelease/ - AUSTIN, TX, January 22, 2008 - Despite sub-freezing temperatures, teen volunteers worked for much of the morning on Jan. 19th at a local nature preserve to remove invasive species from sensitive areas. Thanks to a dedicated effort, large amounts of bamboo were removed and invasive species were cleared from several acres of parkland at Bright Leaf Preserve. If this is what a handful of volunteers can achieve, imagine what a larger effort can accomplish.

The event was organized by EcoTexas, a local non-profit founded by a high school student, Jordan Sessler, to protect Central Texas ecosystems from the threat of invasive species and to preserve the natural state of such areas. The student's charity is a special project fund under the Austin Community Foundation, a non-profit organization which sponsors other efforts for the general improvement of the Central Texas community.

EcoTexas is working to eliminate invasive species from environmentally sensitive areas by executing a coordinated effort with local park officials to monitor the threat of invasive species, and to take action to remove invasive plants when they pose a substantial threat. Jordan Sessler, the organization's co-Founder and designer of the 'Winter Effort' at Bright Leaf Preserve says that workdays, such as the one on Jan. 19th, are 'an important tool in fighting the threat of invasive species' and urges all 'who value Texas's unique ecosystems to join the effort.'

Volunteer workdays are expected to continue on a weekly basis throughout the spring and summer.

More information on this event, including pictures to accompany this press release, are available online at http://www.ecotx.org

About Eco Texas
Eco Texas is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of Central Texas ecosystems from the threat of invasive species and the preservation of the natural state of our environment. For further information, please visit www.ecotx.org or call us at (512) 695-2768.

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