The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Today, The Nature Conservancy announces Team Nature and a partnership with Pacers Events to help runners in Maryland, DC and Virginia run green. Over the past three years, The Nature Conservancy and Pacers have helped raise enough money to plant over ten million baby oysters in the Chesapeake Bay, this year we are looking to do even more.

As the environmental charity for Pacer Events race series, Nature Conservancy will be on site at official Pacers races and online supporting runners with tips for going green at home and while training. The Nature Conservancy is also looking for a few Team Nature leaders to dedicate their runs to nature; raising funds to help plant baby oysters in the Chesapeake Bay and support other local restoration work. Our top 15 fundraisers will earn a guaranteed bib for the GW Parkway Classic 10 miler on April 22 2012, a popular race that always sells out early.

“The Eastern oyster is a key piece of what makes our Chesapeake Bay so special,” said Mark Bryer, director of the Chesapeake Bay Program for The Nature Conservancy. “To succeed in restoring the bay we will need an emphasis on restoring and protecting key habitats as well as improving water quality. Runners can help us make great strides by raising money to plant native oysters in Chesapeake Bay sanctuaries, reducing your carbon footprint, growing native plants on your property and by supporting local waterway cleanup efforts.”

Pacers Events has joined the Team Nature and is going green with online registration and virtual goodie bags to reduce paper and plastic waste.

“Pacers is committed to bringing the best races to the DC area and part of that commitment is making sure our races are some of the greenest around, encouraging our runners to bring reusable water belts or bottles and recycling race day materials are some of the ways we are having a positive impact on the local environment”, said Kathy Dalby, managing partner of Pacers Events. “Doing our part for the Chesapeake Bay and the local trails we all love to run is important to us.”

Team Nature Green Tips:
• Run outside and get close to nature!
• Reduce your Carbon Footprint: Start your run from home or work vs. driving.
• Take public transportation or carpool to races.
• Avoid excess paper and plastic: Sign up for races online and look for virtual goodie bags.
• Use water belts or reusable water bottles.
• Buy powdered sports drinks and mix your own — avoid waste from single-use bottles and save money!
• Recycle your running shoes and gear.
• Help maintain your local trail or preserve: Volunteer for the Conservancy in Maryland/DC or Virginia.
• Recycle your running stories and green tips: Become a Facebook fan of the Conservancy in D.C., Maryland and Virginia! And tell us about your favorite trail run.

Join the team, and look for us at upcoming races: healthy you, healthy planet!
• September 24th 2011: Clarendon Day Run 10K & 5K
• October 2nd 2011: Wilson Bridge Half Marathon
• November 2011: Area Turkey Trots
• December 3rd Festivus 5K
• December 31st Fairfax Four Miler