National Wildlife Federation and ScottsMiracle-Gro Create Partnership

Inspiring More Americans to Spend Time Outdoors

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Jan 18, 2012, 07:00 ET

RESTON, Va. and MARYSVILLE, Ohio, Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and ScottsMiracle-Gro are announcing a new partnership to advance NWF's nationwide Be Out There initiative to connect children with nature. As the national presenting sponsor, ScottsMiracle-Gro will enhance NWF's programs to create green spaces and attract wildlife to backyards and communities across the country. Experts agree that today's children spend too little time outdoors, changing the nature of childhood, and agree that time outside improves children's physical, mental and emotional health as well as classroom performance.

"National Wildlife Federation and Scotts are committed to getting millions more children to play outdoors on a regular basis. This relationship is a win for American childhood, because together we will help families raise healthier and happier children who have a lifelong commitment to protecting wildlife and the natural world," said Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of NWF. "Through this new partnership, ScottsMiracle-Gro will help NWF's Be Out There initiative create events, tools and resources that inspire parents to make nature a part of their family's everyday lives."

"During our support of the NWF's wildlife relief work in the Gulf of Mexico, we realized how many similarities our organizations shared – and started exploring ways to work together," said Jim Lyski, executive vice president, ScottsMiracle-Gro. "NWF offers a unique perspective that we believe can help shape our sustainability initiatives, and proactively engage thought leaders on constructively developing solutions to environmental and societal challenges. This partnership for us is about building a business that leaves our world better off than we found it."

The partnership will include family events such as the Great American Backyard Campout, Hike & Seek, and programs that encourage habitat conservation and the creation of natural playspaces for children. Additionally, NWF and ScottsMiracle-Gro will create a forum for environmental organizations to discuss solutions to environmental issues. NWF will also provide perspective and counsel on sustainability initiatives.

About National Wildlife Federation

National Wildlife Federation is America's conservation organization protecting wildlife for our children's future. The organization seeks solutions to reduce the impact of climate change, protects and restores wildlife habitat, and connects people of all ages with nature. For more information visit www.nwf.org.

About ScottsMiracle-Gro

With approximately $3 billion in worldwide sales, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Scotts Company LLC, is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company's brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts®, Miracle-Gro® and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories. In Europe, the Company's brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligene® and Substral®. For additional information, visit us at www.scotts.com.

SOURCE ScottsMiracle-Gro