ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwire - September 14, 2009) - The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) today announced an educational Webinar on September 24th titled Barking up the Right Tree with TurfMutt, a New Yard Dog Science Program, directed at members of the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. To register for a Webinar or for more information, go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/822246569.

More than 12,000 future agricultural educators will be able to sign up for this free Webinar to take place on September 24th from 3:30 to 5:00 pm EDT. The Webinar poses the question: As the climate change debate has pushed the need to reduce carbon in the atmosphere and reduce warming front and center, what role can grass and green spaces play in helping our planet stay cooler and cleaner?

The Webinar will discuss the research and process that took place leading to a new educational outreach program developed by Weekly Reader and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute's Education and Research Foundation. TurfMutt, a Caped Crusader -- Out to Save the Planet, One Yard at a Time -- is featured in a series of science-based curricula, teaching third through fifth grade students the science behind lawns' ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), release oxygen, cool the air, control dust, reduce erosion and filter water.

Webinar presenters include Dr. Ron Sahu, environmental researcher, who will discuss the latest study showing the science behind the value of lawns and what the findings mean for a balanced discussion about the value of green spaces, and Kris Kiser, EVP at OPEI, who will discuss the TurfMutt educational program, the inspiration and goals for the program, and what educators can expect to see moving forward. Mr. Kiser will also discuss why and how we need to integrate best management practices -- managing inputs and watering -- into the value of lawns discussion and educational curriculum.

"This is a great opportunity for agricultural educators from across the nation to learn from the experts as well as discover how the TurfMutt curriculum will be a great asset in their own classrooms and in ag literacy projects, such as Project Pals," said Alissa F. Smith, Associate Executive Director, National Association of Agricultural Educators.

"We are just coming off an exciting launch of our TurfMutt educational curriculum to Washington, DC, and Sacramento, CA, area schools," said Kris Kiser, Executive Vice President for OPEI. "We are looking forward to sharing this exciting new program, and how it can help rejuvenate and inspire future agricultural educators."

About NAAE

NAAE is the professional association for agricultural educators at every level. Its mission is "professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through visionary leadership, advocacy and service." NAAE has more than 8,000 members nationwide. The NAAE office is located in Lexington, Ky. For more information about NAAE, visit www.naae.org

About the National FFA Foundation

The National FFA Foundation, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 500,823 student members all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture as part of 7,358 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Foundation changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.

About OPEI

OPEI is an international trade association representing the $15 billion landscape, forestry, utility and lawn and garden equipment manufacturing industry. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety standards. Founded in 1952, OPEI represents and promotes the outdoor power equipment industry and ensures the public may continue to benefit from the economic, lifestyle and environmental contributions of outdoor environments and green spaces. For more information on OPEI, visit www.OPEI.org.