Bird Sanctuary Director Charles Oliver and Timberland Store Manager Roland Emmanuel at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary Timberland Corporation has donated $2,500 to the Garden City Bird Sanctuary as a corporate contribution towards the Bird's Sanctuary's goal of installing a solar powered water pump and pond. This grant was a part of Timberland's environmental preservation grant program awarded under the category of environment and alternate energy. The Bird Sanctuary does not have an electric power source, but wanted to install a small, shallow pond and waterfall at the site to attract birds. According to President Rob Alvey, "Birds have only four primary needs; food, shelter, cover, and water. We've been re-landscaping the area and adding nesting boxes to provide the food, shelter, and cover, but water has always been a problem. Using a solar powered pump to circulate the water will help provide the needed water without causing a mosquito problem. We had a small test solar pump donated by the Garden City High School HOPE club a few years ago, and it was successful. The new pond and mini-waterfall will be a good demonstration of new technology. Additional funding is needed, but this is a great start."

Timberland's retail store in Roosevelt Field was also impressed with the Garden City Bird Sanctuary. Store Manager Roland Emmanuel visited the site and was given a tour by Director Charlie Oliver. The store is planning on sending its employees to help on Saturday April 22 as part of their Earth Day contribution. Community service is an important facet of Timberland employees, and they have previously volunteered at County parks. Finding out the Garden City Bird Sanctuary was literally in their backyard, the store was pleased to participate. One major task will be the installation of a butterfly garden and planting newly donated memorial trees.

Earth Day, initiated in 1970, became the driving force for the entire environmental movement in the US. The community is invited to participate!! A Girl Scout troop has already adopted the butterfly garden as a potential Bronze Award troop project. Many activities are planned, from painting to raking to planting. Please bring flats of marigolds, coleus, and impatience and spend a bit of time between 10AM and 4PM to show your support for the Bird Sanctuary and the environment. All ages are welcomed. The entrance to the Bird Sanctuary is on Tanners Pond Road. For information, contact Rob Alvey at 326-1720 or via email at gcbirdsanctuary@aol.com.