Foundation Presents First Green Earth Book Award April 20

SALISBURY, MD---The Newton Marasco Foundation (NMF), a national voice advocating stewardship of our environment, presents its inaugural Green Earth Book Award 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center at Salisbury University. Author Lynne Cherry receives the award for her book The Sea, the Storm, and the Mangrove Tangle. NMF also recognizes two 2005 Green Earth Book Award Honor Books: Tree of Life, written by Rochelle Strauss and illustrated by Margot Thompson, and Garden of the Spirit Bear, written by Dorothy Patent and illustrated by Deborah Milton. In her book, Cherry weaves a story about the transformation of a mangrove from propagules (sprouting seeds) to an individual tree to a tangle (a cluster of trees) to an island. As the tree grows and becomes an island of mangroves, it provides both food and shelter for many living creatures. The story illustrates the many benefits provided by mangroves juxtaposed by their destruction by shrimp farms and commercial development. Through Cherry’s story and panoramic illustrations, children learn why they should help protect endangered mangroves. Cherry is the author and/or illustrator of 30 previous books and resides on a farm in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains. As this year’s award winner, Cherry receives $2,500. In addition, the Newton Marasco Foundation is donating $500 to the Mangrove Action Project, whose mission is to conserve and restore mangrove forests and related coastal ecosystems, while promoting community-based, sustainable management of coastal resources. NMF launched the Green Earth Book Award in partnership with SU. The award promotes books that inspire children to develop a deeper appreciation, respect and responsibility for their natural environment. The annual award goes to the book judged in raising awareness of the beauty of the natural world and the responsibility people have to protect it. The award ceremony, held in connection with a reception for environmental performer David Rothenberg, is free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.