Press Release

Metropolitan Education District 760 Hillsdale Ave San Jose, CA 95136 April 07, 2008

Contact: Michelle Alaimo Communication Specialist (408) 723-6464 malaimo@metroed.net

Santa Clara Valley Green Gardener Program to Hold First Graduation

Metropolitan Adult Education Program's (MAEP) Green Gardener class will hold its first graduation ceremony on April 24 at 5 p.m. at MAEP's Erikson Center, 4849 Pearl Avenue.

The Green Gardener class is designed for landscape professionals and is a collaborative program between MAEP, the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPP), the West Valley Clean Water Program, and the Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County. The Green Gardener program was designed by officials in Santa Barbara County who were concerned about chemicals in the water that would run-off into their bays. Santa Clara County is the third county in the state to use the program.

Thirty gardeners will graduate from the program on April 24. The ten-week program was taught in both English and Spanish and each session was taught by a different Master Gardener or Landscape Professional. Students were trained how to reduce urban runoff and storm water pollution from landscape maintenance activities; improve the appearance and value of landscapes; and how to use the correct irrigation methods and to use resources wisely.

Completers of the program will be advertised as Green Gardeners on SCVURPP's website at www.mywatershedwatch.org

The graduation is open to all who would like to attend. For more information on MAEP's Green Gardener class, visit www.metroed.net

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MetroED is the largest career-oriented educational organization in Santa Clara County, comprised of high school and adult occupational, academic and community programs.

MetroED annually provides 50,000 diverse students with the skills to help them be productive, income-earning and tax-paying contributors to Silicon Valley.