Press Release

Metropolitan Education District 760 Hillsdale Ave San Jose, CA 95136 August 27, 2008

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

Green Gardener Program Now Offered in Both English & Spanish

Metropolitan Adult Education Program’s (MAEP) Green Gardener class will now be offered in two languages: English and Spanish at MAEP’s Erikson Adult Center, 4849 Pearl Avenue, San Jose.

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 pollute their bays. Santa Clara County is the third county in the state to use the program and MAEP first offered the class in the Spring of 2008.

The ten week program is offered in both English and Spanish (separate classes for each language). Each two-hour weekly session is taught by a different Master Gardener or Landscape Professional. Students will learn how to reduce urban runoff and storm water pollution from landscape maintenance activities; improve the appearance and value of landscapes; how to use the correct irrigation methods; and to use resources wisely.

Professional gardeners who successfully complete the program will receive a Santa Clara Valley Green Gardener card and a certificate of completion. Those who successfully complete the program will also have their contact information listed on SCVURPP’s website at www.mywatershedwatch.org

The Spanish session will be offered on Tuesday’s beginning September 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. and the English session will be offered on Wednesday’s beginning September 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. The registration fee for the class is $120. Call 408-723-6450 to register or visit www.metroed.net for more information.

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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.