Wetlands to go to Earthplace
 P&Z Approves 6-0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PARTRICK WETLANDS PRESERVATION FUND SELECTS EARTHPLACE: THE NATURE DISCOVERY CENTER TO STEWARD 22.14 ACRE WETLANDS

-- PWPF intends to donate land to Nature Center next month --

WESTPORT, CT, March 30, 2007 -- The Partrick Wetlands Preservation Fund Inc (PWPF) is pleased to announce the selection of Westport's own Earthplace: The Nature Discovery Center to steward the 22.14 acre Partrick Wetlands.

After a thorough six month process that included discussions and interest from many organizations, including the Aspetuck Land Trust, the board of directors has chosen Earthplace for its synergy of location, environmental expertise and proven record in protecting and maintaining open space.

"We are honored to be offered the stewardship of the Partrick Wetlands," said John Horkel, Executive Director of Earthplace. "We have followed the stories of this parcel for many years and believe the land should continue to be kept in its natural state and opened for public passive recreation and environmental study by our staff and students."

The PWPF was donated the Partrick Wetlands in January by ARS Partners. This transfer was part of a stipulated agreement worked out between the Town, the local community group and the developers to preserve this land while allowing a limited number of homes to be constructed. Upon acceptance of the land, the PWPF placed a conservation easement on the land declaring it as permanent and undevelopable open space.

As part of the agreement Westport's Planning and Zoning Commission must still approve of Earthplace as the steward and grantee of the land. All paperwork has been submitted and the process has begun. Once approved, the PWPF will donate the land to Earthplace in time for their April Green Earth Fair, celebrating green building and grass roots efforts to protect the environment.

"Earthplace is a marvelous organization," said Matthew Mandell director of the PWPF. "Not only will the Wetlands be cared for properly, it will also be used as a natural laboratory and an educational resource. This is exactly why we chose our neighbors Earthplace."

For more information about the Partrick Wetlands Preservation Fund and Earthplace visit their respective websites at www.savewestport.com and www.Earthplace.org.

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