News

4/19/2007
TMMK Opens Environmental Education Center

Grand Opening Is Part of Toyota’s Celebration of Earth Day

GEORGETOWN, KENTUCKY, (April 18, 2007) — To help commemorate the celebration of Earth Day, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) officially opened its Environmental Education Center (EEC) this afternoon during a ceremony on its property in Scott County (KY).  The center features a three-quarter mile walking trail that was developed for the purpose of creating environmental awareness and educating the public on environmental issues.

Located on TMMK’s campus near the Fitness Center, the EEC and trail will provide interactive displays highlighting environmental activities ongoing at TMMK.  The center is open to the public on a scheduled basis thru the TMMK Visitor Center. This activity can be utilized in conjunction with the company’s plant tour for a full day of activities at TMMK.

“Our Environmental Education Center is an excellent example of how a manufacturing plant can coexist with nature and have a positive effect on the environment, stated Steve St. Angelo, president at TMMK. “We take environmental stewardship very seriously.”

The EEC features a 3/4 mile walking trail. One-third of the trail is handicap accessible. The trail winds through naturally wooded habitat with a beautiful view of a two-acre pond and many old growth trees that are 100 yrs old.  Over 25 Educational Markers (kiosks) along the trail will educate students on the ecology of our planet and how TMMK is working everyday to keep the environment healthy for our current and future generations.

Teresa Hill, Secretary of the KY Environmental
& Public Protection Cabinet.

Teresa J. Hill, Secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, was on hand for the ceremony. "Governor Ernie Fletcher, and we in his Cabinet, believe we have a moral obligation to use our resources responsibly, and then to leave our children - and our children's children – an environment that's cleaner than we found it. We hope people will think in those terms when they
visit this Environmental Education Center."

Identification markers on the trail are made from a combination of wood and recycled plastic. Plastic caps and grommets from our incoming parts and reclaimed plastic wrap from our pallets are recycled into this plastic/wood lumber.

TMMK President Steve St. Angelo with his friends from the TMMK Child Care Center
who were getting ready for a walk on Toyota's Environmental Trail.

The Environmental Education Center is developing a comprehensive environmental education curriculum for grades 4 through 12. A curriculum for elementary and middle school students is currently available online. To reserve a tour, please call our Visitor Center at 1-800-866-4485.

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Contact:
Rick Hesterberg
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
502-868-2135