Kia, Ecology Center Team up for a Year

The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano is all grown up and landing major corporate partnerships.

First it was Hurley. Then it was Chipotle. Now it’s Kia Motors  America.

Kia announced Thursday it would be partnering with the Ecology Center for one year to organize and carry out sustainability-themed learning projects at the corporate campus in Irvine and in the surrounding community.

The announcement is a bit belated, as Kia was already on board when the Ecology Center through its gourmet bash “Green Feast” fundraiser Sept. 7.

“We're excited to collaborate with Kia Motors on internal ecological programming as well as general brand sustainability. With the upcoming release of electric and hybrid vehicles, Kia is presenting itself as engaged community stewards,” the center’s Outreach Coordinator Jeff Davis told Patch.

The Kia folks were equally excited – as excited as one can be in a press release.

“"Since its founding, the Ecology Center has grown to be a widely recognized leader for conservation and environmental awareness, and as the center continues to expand its reach, it is the perfect partner with which Kia can pursue its vision for a greener future," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications for Kia Motors America.