United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service	Southern Research Station 200 W.T. Weaver Boulevard Asheville, NC 28804
	Date:   June 5, 2000 News Release Contact: Melissa Carlson

Southern Research Station Employees Honored By Secretary Of Agriculture

Asheville,NC -- Louise Wyche, of Normal, AL, USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station, received the Secretary of Agriculture Honor Award for Equal Opportunity at a ceremony in Washington, DC on June 5, 2000. This national honor recognizes Wyche as a Coordinating Team Member on the "Branching Out to the Youth of America" Team, for organizing teams of college interns who act as role models by bringing an appreciation of natural resources conservation to young people, in summer camps and in urban settings. For 10 weeks during the summer, several four-person intern teams conduct conservation education activities throughout the South and East at summer schools, day camps, nature centers, and youth activity sites. The four-person team based in Huntsville, AL conducted programs at Huntsville public libraries, churches, and clubs, in addition to traveling throughout Alabama. Over 500 children participated in activities they presented.

Louise Wyche has served as the Forest Service National Program Manager for National Multicultural Recruitment at Alabama A&M, Normal, AL for the Southern Research Station for eight years. Other Forest Service Team Members being honored include Rodney Kindlund, Team Leader, Asheville, NC; Mary Smith, Gainesville, GA; Elaine McKinney, Newtown Square, PA; Ginger Brown, Nashville, TN; Barbara Forderhase, formerly Milwaukee, WI.

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