NOAA RECOGNIZES DARIN ZARBNISKY AS 2005 ENVIRONMENTAL HERO

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, presented its Environmental Hero Award to Darin Zarbnisky of Boise, Idaho.

Zarbnisky, a teacher who has developed a student/volunteer-driven habitat restoration program and integrated it into his classes, provides his students with opportunities to participate in field projects and to get a taste for the real world, outside of the classroom. During the past two years, Zarbnisky and his students have volunteered more than 6,000 hours to work on habitat projects.

Established in 1996, the Environmental Hero award is presented to individuals and organizations that volunteer their time and energy to help NOAA carry out its mission.

“NOAA and the nation are fortunate to have such dedicated people volunteer so much of their time,” said retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “They set a perfect example for others to follow in their communities. America needs more environmental heroes like Mr. Zarbnisky.”

Zarbnisky volunteered on two major riparian restoration projects last summer, dedicating seven full days to the work, including a three-day work/camping trip with his students.

NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation’s coastal and marine resources.

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov