Plum Creek Timber Co. Inc. : Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation Receives $5,000 Plum Creek Foundation Grant

MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RECEIVES $5,000 PLUM CREEK FOUNDATION GRANT

Jackson, Miss.--Feb. 1, 2012--The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting understanding and appreciation of Mississippi's biological diversity, was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Plum Creek Foundation.The gift will support the Animal Secrets exhibit.

Through collections, research, scientific databases, education and exhibits, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science inspires the people of Mississippi to respect the environment and to preserve natural Mississippi. The 2,500 square foot Animal Secrets exhibit will introduce young children to forest animals' habitat and secret lives using imaginative role-play and hands-on activities.

"The Animal Secrets exhibit will educate all visitors about the importance of forests as wildlife habitats and a source of forest products," said Elizabeth Hartfield, Director of Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.  "Plum Creek's gift will allow us to create this exhibit in order to reach a greater audience of families, school groups, general public and scout groups."

The exhibit will allow pre-school children to play with animals at a stream, experience the sights and sounds of the meadow, pretend to be an eagle, chipmunk and raccoon in the woods and explore cave habitats' secret mysteries. Children will create animal stories, curl up in an eagles nest, build animal homes, investigate animal tracks, match animal sounds, and match bones and skulls - using balance, magnifiers, measuring tapes and other manipulatives.  

"Plum Creek continually recognizes the importance of sustainable forestry," said Christie Bennett, Land Asset Manager for Plum Creek. "We are proud to help educate and engage Mississippi's children and families about conservation and outdoor learning."

The Plum Creek Foundation supports non-profit organizations that improve the overall quality of life in the communities where Plum Creek operates.  The Foundation board meets quarterly to review submitted grant applications.  Visit www.plumcreek.com/communityinvolvement to download an application and learn more about the foundation grant program in addition to other ways that Plum Creek is serving its communities.

For more information about the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation visit www.msnaturalscience.org.

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Plum Creek is the largest and most geographically diverse private landowner in the nation with approximately 6.7 million acres of timberlands in major timber producing regions of the United States and wood products manufacturing facilities in the Northwest.  For more information, visit www.plumcreek.com.