AUSTIN, TX, January 22, 2008 - Despite sub-freezing temperatures, teen volunteers worked for much of the morning on Jan. 19th at a local nature preserve to remove invasive species from sensitive areas. Thanks to a dedicated effort, large amounts of bamboo were removed and invasive species were cleared from several acres of parkland at Bright Leaf Preserve. If this is what a handful of volunteers can achieve, imagine what a larger effort can accomplish.

The event was organized by Eco Texas, a local non-profit founded by high students Jordan Sessler to protect Central Texas ecosystems from the threat of invasive species and to preserve the natural state of such areas. The student's charity is a special project fund under the Austin Community Foundation, a non-profit organization which sponsors other efforts for the general improvement of the Central Texas community.

Eco Texas is working to eliminate invasive species from environmentally sensitive areas by executing a coordinated effort with local park officials to monitor the threat of invasive species, and to take action to remove invasive plants when they pose a substantial threat. Jordan Sessler, the organization's co-Founder and designer of the 'Winter Effort' at Bright Leaf Preserve says that workdays, such as the one on Jan. 19th, are 'an important tool in fighting the threat of invasive species' and urges all 'who value Texas's unique ecosystems to join the effort.'