[January 14, 2013]

Union Station to Celebrate Earth Month 2013

Union Station in Washington D.C., one of the nation's premier, historic transportation hubs and a must-see destination for every visitor to Washington, is pleased to announce it is hosting Earth Month 2013, scheduled for April 1 through April 30. Presented by Earth Day Network and the Premier Tourist and Landmark Association, a media and event agency, the month-long event will feature interactive, eco-friendly experiences throughout Union Station designed to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage sustainability.

"Our commitment to the environment must extend far beyond one day," said Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network. "That's why we're thrilled to partner with Union Station to devote an entire month to sustainability and green responsibility. Hosting the series of events over the entire month in one of the most iconic venues in our nation's capital allows us to engage more exhibitors and educate more people."

Earth Month 2013 represents a significant expansion of prior Earth Day festivities held annually on Washington's National Mall. In addition to the scheduled events, exhibitors from across the country will be on hand to highlight their own green initiatives, programs and events.

Earth Month will feature a film festival, a farmers' market, alternative energy demonstrations, a green fashion show and a science fair with local schools, all held at Union Station throughout the month of April. There will also be programmed activities, entertainment, discussion panels, contests, games, giveaways and much more throughout the month, with a full day of special events and entertainment on Earth Day, Monday, April 22. Most events are free and open to all ages.

"This event aligns perfectly with our commitment to protcting the environment while enriching our community," said Roy Staeck, vice president of business development of Union Station. "As a historic landmark that attracts travelers from around the globe, there is no better place in Washington, D.C., to spread a message of sustainability and conservation to worldwide audiences."

Earth Month is also incorporating an iconic worldwide celebration, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, into its activities by hosting its Youth Art Contest at Union Station. In honor of Earth Month, the annual contest will include a greater emphasis on environmental themes and expose the budding artists to more than 100,000 visitors who travel through Union Station's doors each day.

"The 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival will be an exciting celebration for Washington, D.C., and our partnership with Union Station as part of Earth Month has helped us expand our environmental programming this year," said Diana Mayhew, president of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. "We're setting the stage for years to come and I look forward to extending the momentum of 2013 as we continue to elevate green programs in Washington."

With more than 40 million annual visitors, Union Station represents a unique venue for hosting Earth Month. It is the second busiest land transportation hub in the United States, the third most visited tourist destination in the world and each day, 75 percent of Capitol Hill employees utilize it.

"One of the benefits of partnering with Premier Tourist and Landmark Association to host Earth Month at Union Station is the opportunity to grow this celebration to other similar venues across the country in subsequent years," noted Earth Day Network's president Kathleen Rogers. "While we are announcing 2013's celebration, we are already looking to 2014 and beyond."

About Earth Day Network

Earth Day Network's mission is to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement. EDN coordinates Earth Day, mobilizing over one billion people in 192 countries every year on environmental challenges impacting our health, quality of life and the natural world. Year-round, EDN is a leader on environmental education and green school buildings. EDN also plants millions of trees worldwide - in the places that need them most - and works to expand the emerging green economy and protect natural lands. For more information, visit www.earthday.org.

About Premier Tourist and Landmark Association

PTALA is an agency that specializes in the marketing and promotion of destination venues. An association of the prominent Tourist Destination Venues and Attractions in North America, PTALA works to maximize the guest experience and provide comprehensive, unique marketing platform solutions for a variety of clients including Union Station, Washington D.C., Harborplace in Baltimore, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, and River Center in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, visit www.ptala.com.

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