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6th Annual Earth Day Celebration

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the Essex County Environmental Center staff would like to invite you to our Annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 11am to 4pm.  The goal of this free fun-filled event is to provide residents of greater Essex County opportunities to re-connect with nature through hands-on educational games and activities, canoe trips, bird walks, live nature-themed music, information booths, and an eco-market, among other offerings.   

With the help of the Environmental Center’s partner organizations, a variety of activities have been organized that will impress and inspire all ages.  During the event, visit the Essex County Beekeepers Society station as they show the inner workings of a bee hive and offer local, award-winning honey and other bee products for purchase.  At the NJ Woodturners station, witness how art is created from found pieces of wood and fallen tree branches, breathing new life into a natural resource that would otherwise be recycled back to the earth.  Families are encouraged to visit our Lenape Village station, where they will learn about the Lenape people that once flourished along the shores of the Passaic River.  Once there, dig for an arrowhead, learn about the importance of environmental stewardship, or go for a canoe ride to immerse yourself in nature.  If you do not wish to venture onto the water, join NJ Audubon on a relaxing bird walk, ask the expert Master Gardeners about horticulture and composting, and/or be amazed by the awesome 4-H Fair displays and demonstrations. Finally, a new and exciting addition to this year’s event is a dinosaur dig for children to be delighted by their very own take-home discovery.

Earth Day at the Essex County Environmental Center is a memorable experience and a unique opportunity for participants to sample the depth of programming offered at the Center year-round.  This event is free of charge and made possible by the County of Essex, Environmental Center staff, partners and volunteers, as well sponsors Covanta Energy, Essex, Public Service Electric and Gas Company, and Whole Foods Market of West Orange. Items may be for sale by local eco-vendors. Celebrate Earth Day 2011 at the Essex County Environmental Center for a time to be remembered!

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