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Dow recognized for educational efforts at wetlands preserve
By Paul Burgarino
East County Times
May 12, 2008
ANTIOCH — As the wind whipped through the tules Monday below an observation deck overlooking the Dow Wetlands Preserve, the Wildlife Habitat Council presented Dow Chemical Co. with the Signature of Sustainability designation for its work in making the 472-acre site conducive to learning.
Dow is one of 21 organizations in North America to receive this recognition.
"Our mission is to maintain this area and share it with the community. The focus is also on education, so that students can learn how animals interact in different ecosystems and work in the environment," said Krist Jensen, a volunteer at the preserve.
Jensen worked as an accountant at the Pittsburg chemical manufacturer for 35 years. The award is the fourth earned by the preserve from the National Habitat Council. "It is nice to be recognized," Jensen said.
Dow purchased the wetlands property east of its Pittsburg plant along the Delta in 1989. A group of volunteers, employees and community members cleaned up and restored the habitat, creating a laboratory for students of all ages.
The wetlands are home to more than 130 bird species, as well as river otters, beavers and the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse.
The Dow Wetlands Preserve was among 33 organizations that applied for the Signature of Sustainability award, said Marica Masionek, a vice president of the Wildlife Habitat Council. An outside panel chose the top 21, or "best of the best," Masionek said.
What put the Antioch site over the top was its exceptional Corporate Lands for Learning program, she said.
Jensen said that Dow partners with a number of groups in using the preserve, including docent-led tours by the Lindsey Wildlife Museum and allowing field experimentation with students from UC Berkeley and Los Medanos College. An Earth Team event is planned for Saturday with high schools from around Contra Costa County.
"It's definitely one of the best of the best," said Thelma Redick, director of the Corporate Lands for Learning program. The ability of Dow to link with other organizations is "such a benefit to the community" in teaching about biodiversity and allowing experimentation in the field.
Masionek added: "This award proves that you can have industry and wildlife working side by side. The folks at Dow Chemical do it very well here, without a doubt."
The preserve, which is open to anyone, also has fishing off the levee near the river. Jensen said he enjoys the serenity when working on his photography.
"A lot of folks know about this place, but the vast majority are surprised to find this is in the middle of the city," he said.
Paul Burgarino covers Pittsburg and Bay Point. Reach him at 925-779-7164 or pburgarino@bayareanewsgroup .
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