FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

05-15-12 600AM

Discover the Delta Foundation’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve the Delta by providing objective and science-based information so that this important resource can be better understood, enhanced and enjoyed now and for the future.

The public is invited to join the Delta community on Friday, June 1 from 3-4 p.m. at Discover the Delta, Highway 12 at Highway 160, as a crane raises the 132-foot California Delta Tower. The 10-story, 80,000-pound historic Dutra Tower was originally built in 1904 for the Del Monte’s Asparagus Packing house, at the time the largest packing house in the world. Originally located across the Sacramento River in Rio Vista, the tower was moved in November of 2010 by the Bay Bridge crane to its present site to become a new Beacon to the California Delta.

Celebrations including live music, food and fun begin at 1 p.m. A wine and beer tasting begins at 3 p.m., featuring local wines and beer. The $15 tasting fee includes a commemorative glass.

Dr. Ken Scheidegger, founder and president of Discover the Delta, will be present to answer questions and discuss the area’s history and future plans. Scheidegger is an oceanographer specializing in bays and estuaries.

The Discover the Delta Foundation is a science-based, educational nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching people about the wonders of the California Delta and its remarkable resources. Founded in 2006, the foundation hosts a Farmers’ Market, offering local agricultural products, and provides educational gardens for local school programs. All proceeds from the market go to build and sustain the 8,000-square-foot Education Center.

The newly raised California Delta Tower will be a functioning water tower providing irrigation for the foundation’s 5 acres of outside displays, including a Miwok Native American village and 1-acre pond.

The Foundation’s Junior Auxiliary of local high school students provides programs for children K-3 on holidays and summers. They also glean harvested farms in the fall to collect foods for local food banks. Plans are underway to build an 8,000-square-foot science-based education center to be opened in 2013.

Photos and more information about the Discover the Delta Foundation are available on www.discoverthedelta.org/tower.html.

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