NEW WOODSY OWL DEBUTS AT EARTH DAY EVENTS



                                          Release No. 0120.97    
                                                                 
                                             Alan Polk    (202) 205-1134
                                             Janet Sledge (202) 720-2065


NEW WOODSY OWL DEBUTS AT EARTH DAY EVENTS

     WASHINGTON, April 18, 1997--With a sporty new look and a new slogan,  
the redesigned Woodsy Owl will debut at seven national Earth Day events from
April 19 through April 25--where his expanded mission of "Lend a Hand--Care
for the Land!" will be unveiled.  

     For 26 years, Woodsy Owl, a creation of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's Forest Service, has been America's original and official
environmental icon,  carrying an environmental conservation message to young
children.  Woodsy's new mission expands on the now famous slogan, "Give a
hoot! Don't pollute!" 
    
     Woodsy Owl's looks have changed to be more identifiable with children
in the 1990's.  Now sporting a backpack, hiking shoes, and field pants, as
part of his new image, the updated Woodsy will befriend a new generation of
children, motivating them to form healthy, lasting relationships with nature
by inviting them to renew, reuse, and recycle.  
    
     Tucked in Woodsy Owl's backpack are new teaching materials which the
Forest Service and the Children's Television Workshop designed to appeal to
children between the ages of five and eight.  These educational tools will
help young Americans understand their personal role in the conservation of
our country's natural resources.  

     "When children become aware of their environment and how to care for
the land, it can lead to a lifetime of stewardship," said Forest Service
Chief Mike Dombeck.  "Woodsy Owl's new program opens a window of knowledge
to the world around them and a better understanding of the results of their
actions." Dombeck said.

     "Teachers, educators, and others interested in environmental education
are encouraged to attend any of the seven national events, where they will
see the change in Woodsy Owl's appearance and become familiar with his new
mission," said Joan Comanor, the Forest Service's deputy chief for state and
private forestry.

     The sites for the seven national events for the Woodsy Owl debut are
scheduled in conjunction with Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations during
the week of April 19 and include:

WASHINGTON, DC
April 22 - Anacostia National Park Earth Day Celebration
Contact: E.Lynn Burkett (202) 205-0958

April 25 - University of the District of Colunbia Earth Day Event            

Contact: Glenn Blankenship (202) 235-3539


LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
April 19 - Knott's Berry Farm Theme Park
Contact: Nancy Porter (916) 551-1209

ALAMOGORDO, N.M.
April 19 - Special Olympics
Contact: Jean Szymanski (505) 842-3293 or Merle Glenn (505) 434-7200

ATLANTA, GA.
April 22 - Earth Day at the Atlanta Zoo
Contact: Ginger Brown (404) 347-4191

WINTERHAVEN, FLA.
April 19 - Cypress Gardens 
Contact: Ginger Brown (404) 347-4191

TAMPA, FLA.
April 25 - National Arbor Day Celebration
Contact: Ray Mason (904) 414-0867     

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