One Earth, One Climate—Pedal with a Purpose, April 14

Chestertown, MD, April 10, 2007 — If you thought April 14 was going to be just another Saturday at the park, you have another thing coming. On this spring day, Kent Countians get a chance to "step up" their commitment to the earth and rally for environmental action with millions of others across America.

Step It Up is a national movement to raise awareness of the need to stop global warming pollution. The 2007 campaign is comprised of over 1000 events in 50 states, all on April 14. It encourages "actions" in as many places as possible—along coastal wetlands, in cornfields and forests and on statehouse steps. From Maine to Hawaii, people from all walks of life are organizing events to send a message urging Congress to cut carbon dioxide emissions 80% by 2050. Groups and individuals all agree the time has come for America to reduce carbon emissions before it is too late.

As part of Step it Up 2007, the Center for the Environment and Society (CES) at Washington College is sponsoring "Pedal with a Purpose" on April 14. This event helps to create a bike presence in our community and to promote bicycle transportation in and around Kent County.

Participants will meet for a Step-It-Up photo at 9:00 a.m. at the Town Dock on the Chester River and then breakaway for rides to destinations of their own choosing. Or Join CES for a scenic 9-mile loop that ends at the Chestertown Farmers Market about one hour later. Come with friends. Meet new riders. Pedal with a purpose.

April 14 is expected to be the largest day of citizen action focusing on global warming pollution in our nation's history. As Step it Up organizer and founder Bill McKibben says, "Stopping global warming will catalyze a new clean energy revolution which will benefit people across the globe. We must—and we can—protect the long-term health of the environment." Visit www.stepitup2007.org for information on this nationwide movement.

For information on your local event, please contact 410-778-7295. The Center for the Environment and Society at Washington College supports interdisciplinary research and education, exemplary stewardship of natural and cultural resources, and the integration of ecological and social values.