Chapel Hill, N.C.—(April 17, 2009)—Newland Communities' Briar Chapel, the Triangle region's largest green community located in Chapel Hill, will observe Earth Day with a week-long series of events, including sponsorships of Earth Action Day and the Green Home Builders of the Triangle's fourth annual Green Home Tour, as well as a public art unveiling and environmental maze.

Briar Chapel kicks off Earth Day festivities with the 2009 Earth Action Day celebration in partnership with the Town of Chapel Hill and Duke Energy on Saturday, April 18. The event, which runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., features demonstrations and performances at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in downtown Chapel Hill. In addition, Briar Chapel will give away 10 Home Energy Efficiency Evaluations performed by a certified building science technician from Southern Energy Management. The evaluation, valued at approximately $500, gives homeowners insight into their home's energy saving potential.

On Sunday, April 19, Briar Chapel will unveil a commissioned piece titled, "Art in Nature." The colored tile mosaic, created by Chatham County artist Erick Davis, incorporates scenes from nature. It will be installed at the community's Founders Park and become part of the original artwork displayed throughout Briar Chapel. In addition, Briar Chapel will open an enviro-maze for Triangle residents and their families. It will be available to the public through Saturday, April 25.

"Our Earth Day observances allow the Triangle community to take part in activities that help encourage awareness and appreciation for the environment," said Keith Hurand, senior vice president, division manager for Newland Communities Carolinas division.

Briar Chapel's Model Home Village will also be featured as part of the Green Home Builders of the Triangle's fourth annual Green Home Tour. The tour is a free, self-guided event that examines green building features in homes throughout the Triangle. It is scheduled for the following dates: Saturday, April 25; Sunday, April 26; Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6.

For more information on Briar Chapel and the Earth Day events, visit www.briarchapelnc.com/green.

About Newland Communities®Newland Communities is a privately owned company that creates residential and urban mixed-use communities from coast to coast. Newland believes it has a responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities so people may live life in ways that matter most to them. Newland currently has nearly 40 communities underway in 14 states. For more information, visit www.newlandcommunities.com. More information on Briar Chapel is available at www.briarchapelnc.com.

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Related Links

1. http://www.briarchapelnc.com/green