Earth Day events — can you dig it?

Next Wednesday (April 22) is Earth Day. Are you doing something special for the planet? It could be as simple as keeping that new year’s resolution to recycle more, or vowing (and keeping your vow) to take shorter showers. 

Over the next two weeks, there are celebrations and events across the Lehigh Valley. We’ve gathered a few for you below.  

 

Litter cleanup, electronics recycling in Emmaus and Upper Milford Township
Saturday, April 18th, 8 a.m. to noon

Clean up litter in the borough and the township, and recycle your unwanted printers, computers, phones and more. The recycling program starts at 9 a.m., and there is a charge for some items (such as tvs, refrigerators and CRT monitors). Click here for more details.  

 

Party for the Planet at the Lehigh Valley Zoo
Saturday, April 25

This party combines Earth Day, Arbor Day, World Penguin Day, Save the Frogs Day and zoo mascot Tuxster’s birthday. Activities include music, African Penguin painting demonstrations, RAD Center Conservation Conversations, Arbor Day tree planting dedication, and Smart Fun with Tuxster. Click here for more information. 

 

Earth Day Festival and Rain Barrel Workshop at The Wildlands Conservancy
Saturday,  April 18, noon – 4:00 p.m.

 The festival: Celebrate Earth Day with fun family activities for all ages and abilities from noon to 3 p.m. Solar ovens, a mud kitchen, rain gardens and fairy houses will be among the events. You can even get up close and personal with live trout courtesy of the Lehigh River Stocking Association. The festival is free. You can register by clicking here.

 The workshop: Help the environment by harvesting rainwater. Rainwater stored in barrels has many uses, although the most popular use is for watering gardens and landscaping. Rain is natural, thus lacking minerals, chlorine, fluoride and chemicals. Make and take a rain barrel while learning all about this environmentally friendly way to water your plants. All the materials and barrels will be provided. A $20 fee includes materials and assistance to build one rain barrel. You can register by calling 610-965-4397, ext 136.

Sunday, April 19, noon to 4 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day! Join Wildlands Conservancy super partners – the Penn State Master Gardeners – for a timely program showing how to turn your backyard into a haven for wildlife. You’ll also be able to visit with Wildlands Conservancy staff to learn about the summer camp programs coming to Monocacy Park. The program costs $3. You can register by clicking here.