Toyota's Million Dollar Donation Enhances Environmental Education at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hybrid vehicles and $1 million to emphasize science education and promote environmental leadership

GATLINBURG, Tenn., June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Toyota and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have partnered to foster environmental education through Toyota's contribution of $1 million and three hybrid vehicles to America's most visited national park. In support of raising environmental awareness, the donation will enhance and develop a variety of new science education initiatives for K-12 students, teachers and families to encourage careers in science and service-learning opportunities.

The donation, which was made through Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the park's non-profit fundraising partner, is part of Toyota's $5 million contribution in support of five national parks and the National Park Foundation to enhance environmental leadership and educational programs at parks around the country.

"Toyota and Great Smoky Mountains National Park have a shared goal in enhancing environmental education and advancing the understanding and conservation of the park's natural resources," said Dian Ogilvie, senior vice president of Toyota Motor North America. "Toyota is proud to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its commitment to promoting science education and developing future environmental leaders."

Through Toyota's grant, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will develop a variety of science education opportunities to enhance its existing educational programs and introduce new specialized programming to promote careers in science. Plans geared toward youth programming encompass the implementation of new Junior Ranger programs such as "Let's be a Scientist", "Be a GPS Guru", and "Even You Can Play the Hog Fiddle" (Appalachian music). The Kindergarten - 8th grade Parks as Classrooms program will be updated with fresh curriculum, tapping into new technologies in the form of podcasts and earthcaching. Additionally, the funding will support a new "Not-So-Junior Ranger" program for visitors, ages 13 and higher, along with in-park teacher and student enrichment workshops at the Park's new Twin Creek's Science and Education Center, the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center in North Carolina and the partner-operated Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont in Tennessee. Besides the educational programs, funding will also support the addition of four temporary staff members to develop program enhancements and engage the public in new opportunities for science and environmental learning.

"Throughout the National Park Service, we have become concerned about research that shows a growing disconnect of the public, and especially younger Americans, from the natural environment," said Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. "With its focus on our 6- to 12-year-old Junior Rangers, high school age students and the education community, we see Toyota's grant as a powerful tool to help engage the next generation's interest in science and the environment."

Toyota selected Great Smoky Mountains National Park as its grant recipient for its environmental educational programs and dedication to developing environmental stewards.

"These donations reflect Toyota's strong commitment to conservation and education, and we are very grateful for their support," said Jim Hart, President of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. "With people turning more of their attention to environmental concerns these days, the timing of Toyota's support could not be better."

Other national parks receiving Toyota funding include Everglades National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park. A total of 23 vehicles will also be donated to the national parks.

Source: Toyota