Events at Alum Spring Park, University of Mary Washington highlight local Earth Day activities

Date published: 4/8/2008

By RUSTY DENNEN

Environmental activism will be celebrated here over the next two weeks as the 38th anniversary of Earth Day draws near.

Officially, Earth Day falls on April 22, which this year is a Tuesday.

Fredericksburg will hold its Earth Day Celebration from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, at Alum Spring Park.

The event will feature exhibits, live music, family activities and nature hikes--all free. It's co-sponsored by the Rappahannock Group Sierra Club and the Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Department.

"We're focusing this year on what individuals can do in their own lives and what's going on in the community that they can take part in," said Scott Howson, the Sierra Club's Earth Day coordinator.

There will be wildflower, tree and history hikes in the park at the end of Greenbrier Drive off William Street. Also, participants can make compost, birdhouses and paper out of recycled materials. Food will be available.

Also marking the day is this week's Green Week at the University of Mary Washington.

"This is one of our busiest months," said Elisa Walker, co-chair of the UMW Ecology Club.

Seminars, panel discussions and some hands-on projects are planned on the Fredericksburg campus and are open to the public.

Today, there's a panel discussion on energy security with Grant R. Woodwell, chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Science, and Stephen J. Farnsworth, associate professor of political science. It's at 5 p.m., Room 104, Monroe Hall.

TALK, FILM, WORKSHOP SLATED IN UMW CLASSES

Tomorrow, there's a short film, "The Story of Stuff," about the consumer process, and discussion at Combs Hall, Room 139, 7:30 p.m.

On Thursday, there's a lobbying workshop at Combs, Room 112, 5 p.m.

A "Trash on the Lawn Day" is scheduled Friday, in which students gather trash at Ball Circle on campus, separate it and see how much could have been recycled.

An open forum on the university's environmental policy is planned for April 22.

Earth Day gatherings and events will be held around the country.

For example, Earth Day on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., begins at noon on April 20.

Sponsored by Earth Day Network, it features elected officials and candidates, community speakers, cele-brities, music and educational displays.

Rusty Dennen: 540/374-5431
Email: rdennen@freelancestar.com

SENATOR'S CONCERN LED TO EARTH DAY Earth Day was first held on April 22, 1970. It was the brainchild of Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, an early environmental activist. He used protests against the Vietnam War as a template for organizing a movement to protect the environment. Since then, Earth Day has evolved into a worldwide cleanup movement. --Rusty Dennen Join wildflower, tree and history hikes in the park off Greenbrier Drive.

Date published: 4/8/2008