Press Release

For Immediate Release:   June 1, 2006
Contact:   Katie Kemple, 703-998-2635

Washington, D.C. – Sarah Christian, a volunteer for Bull Run Mountains Conservancy (BRMC) and a student at Battlefield High School, is the focus of a month-long “WETA’s Hometown Heroes” profile airing in June. WETA selected Christian for the critical role she plays in preserving the Bull Run mountain range through her volunteer work at the BRMC. Her profile premieres Friday, June 16, just prior to “Washington Week” at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26 and repeats throughout the month.

At the age of 13, Christian, a young fundraiser and entrepreneur, approached BRMC. She and her younger sister Rachel ran Naturally Good, a small business in which they made baked goods and sold them at the Archwood Barns Farmers’ Market in The Plains, Virginia. Each year, the Christians donated their profits to a charity. In 2003 they chose the Conservancy and raised $500 for the organization. In the fall, Sarah began volunteering at BRMC. Since then, Sarah has initiated partnerships with schools; volunteered at the BRMC’s Halloween Safari and summer camp; and helped raise awareness of the organization’s programs in the community.

“Sarah exhibits all of the traits one hopes for from a volunteer,” said Michael Kieffer, executive director of BRMC. “She is passionate about protecting the environment, reliable, self-motivated, and willing to do the most menial task with a smile.”

Located in Broad Run, Virginia, BRMC protects the Bull Run Mountains through education, research and stewardship. The organization manages access to 800 acres of the Bull Run Mountains State Natural Area Preserve. Educational outreach includes programs and field trips on environmental, historical and cultural topics. Research is another key component of the Conservancy’s mission. It closely records observations of plant and animal life, from the quality of stream water to rattlesnake populations.

Volunteers such as Sarah help the organization run programs year round, as well as start new ones. Sarah initiated a partnership between BRMC and Wakefield Middle School that resulted in a bat house workshop and a year-round, on-campus nature camp, among other programs. Currently, Sarah and fellow Battlefield High School student Lyndsay Gay are analyzing the impact golf courses and development have on a perennial stream.

Sarah has also continued to help fund BRMC programs. She recently competed with volunteers around the country for a Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Stewards for the Environment Award. She was one of six winners to receive an award that included a $20,000 donation from REI to the Conservancy.

For more information about Sarah, BRMC and volunteer opportunities at the organization, visit the BRMC Web site at www.brmconservancy.org.

Now in its eighth year, “WETA’s Hometown Heroes” is an Emmy Award-winning multimedia project that heralds individuals who improve their communities and encourages others to volunteer service. This year, “WETA’s Hometown Heroes” honors individuals who are impacting the regions’ environmental issues through many fields, including the arts, literacy, health and education. WETA produces television profiles on selected individuals and their work in the community. To be involved, visit the Web site at www.weta.org/heroes where you will find volunteer opportunities at area organizations, archived “WETA’s Hometown Heroes” features, and forms to nominate a hero.

“WETA’s Hometown Heroes” is made possible through the generous support of Park Foundation, Inc., The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Bank of America Charitable Foundation and The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation.

WETA TV 26 and 90.9 FM are public broadcasting stations serving Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia with educational, cultural, and news and public affairs programming and related services. WETA is committed to producing programs that highlight the history and people of the Greater Washington area. WETA produced the documentary “Arlington: Heroes, History & Hamburgers” and produces the mini-documentary initiative “WETA Neighborhoods,” spotlighting local communities, people and landmarks. WETA, located in Arlington, Virginia, was founded by public television pioneer and Arlington luminary Elizabeth P. Campbell. For more information on WETA and its services, visit www.weta.org. Sharon Percy Rockefeller is president and CEO of WETA.