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APRIL 18, 2001
Special "Earth Day Events" Issue
    1 – Get Outside
    2 – Visit Festivals of Fun
    3 – Take a Leisurely Stroll
    4 – Make a Splash
    5 – Get Your Hands Dirty

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Are you looking for ways to make it this year's Earth Day special? First, check out www.EarthDayOnline.org for new fun everyday until April 30. Then read on for a variety of ways to celebrate in style.

1 - Get Outside
Honest, spring is (almost) here. Why not enjoy the splendid weather and head out on a hike? Aside from the less crowded trails and the spectacular scenery, it will also knock you out of those winter doldrums. The Maine chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club is hosting several hikes over the next two weekends, including a Rattle Snake Mountain excursion on April 22 and an Acadia National Park hike on the 28th. Check out www.outdoors.org for more information. The Connecticut Forest & Park Association will treat you to an informational hike in the Babcock Pond Wildlife Management Area on April 28 to see how nature regenerates itself after a prescribed burn. For all you hearty explorers, they'll even be some "bushwacking" required on the three mile hike. Consult www.ctwoodlands.org for additional information. In Vermont, the Green Mountain Club will be leading several hikes over Earth Day weekend. Sucker Brook Trail in the Killington area might catch your fancy on the 21st, or if you're in the Burlington area, give Mount Moosalamoo a try on the 22nd. For more information on these and numerous other activities by GMC chapters, visit www.greenmountainclub.org.

2 - Visit Festivals of Fun
Day-long festivals abound throughout New England on Earth Day and beyond. Speakers, exhibits, hybrid vehicle test drives, mural painting, and recycled art are the attractions at the Worcester Earth Day Festival on the 22nd from 12-5 pm at Institute Park. For info, contact the Regional Environmental Council at rec@ultranet.com. Also on the 22nd, take in the Grand Opening Celebration of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests' Award Winning Solar Conservation Center. Tours of the new building, featuring the latest in energy efficient design, as well as family activities and outdoor guided walks along the Merrimack River, will run from 12-4 pm. For more info check www.spnhf.org. If you're doing a little spring cleaning and have come across those old clothes that shrunk over the winter, head over to the Center for Ecological Technology’s Annual Textile Drive in Pittsfield, MA and drop them off on April 21 and 22. Recycling rags, old clothes, and other materials is just one way CET works with communities, organizations, and individuals to promote resource conservation and sustainable development. For more information, call 413-445-4556. Following Earth Day is "Earth Night," sponsored by the Environmental League of MA. The May 5th event features an auction, activities, and displays, plus a great dinner provided by Legal Sea Foods and music courtesy of the Jazz Pops Ensemble. For more information and tickets, visit www.earthnight.org.

3 – Make A Splash
Not to worry, that river water isn't really that cold, is it? Well, here's your chance to find out first-hand. Join in the fun or just watch the crazy people as Connecticut’s Farmington River Watershed Association sponsors a Whitewater Rodeo on Saturday, April 21 at Tariffville Gorge. Beginners to pros prove their mettle as they kayak through "holes" flooded with snowmelt in the river. Check out additional information at www.frwa.org. Or, for those competitive (and not so competitive) racers, how about flashing your skill in the Charles River Watershed Association's ninth annual "Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race" on Sunday, April 29? It is open to both professionals and amateurs, so even if you don't have Olympic aspirations, check it out! For more information visit www.crwa.org.

4 - Take A Nice Leisurely Stroll
If all that strenuous hiking and boating is not your thing, maybe a pleasant walk in nature sounds good to you. Visit the New England Wildflower Society’s Garden in the Woods for free on Earth Day, Saturday, April 21. Garden in the Woods is home to more than 1600 kinds of plants including many rare and endangered native specimens. Find additional information at www.newfs.org.

5 - Get Your Hands Dirty
You know those trails that always provide you with breathtaking views? Or, the riverbanks from which many a lazy summer paddle has begun? Have you wondered who maintains these treasures? No? Well, it is time to give back. The Rhode Island chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club will be hosting an Earth Day Trail Work day on April 21. The day will consist of a bridge reconstruction project in the Arcadia Management Area near Exeter. For more information, call (401) 884-0892. In Connecticut, the Housatonic Valley Association will sponsor a Trail Maintenance Workshop on April 21 & 22. There will also be a Saturday Night Social and Dinner at HVA, and overnight at the Silver Hill camping area, but feel free to attend for either of the day portions. For info call (860) 672-6678. On Saturday, April 21, more than 1000 volunteers will join in clean-ups along the 67-mile Charles River. For more information, contact Katie Baltus at (617) 747-4409 or losttiger@hotmail.com.

What Are You Waiting For?
Log on to www.EarthDayOnline.org and see what other fun and exciting events are planned in your neighborhood. Our Earth Day calendar can point you in the direction of great family fun throughout New England. Need more information on Earth Day and ways that you can help? Then check out our list of helpful links. Looking for kids activities or science projects? Our "Fun For Kids" section will give you many new ideas. While you are visiting, you might as well treat yourself to a game of "Eco-Survivor." If your skill is up to par, you can brag to your friends that your name is listed in the Hall of Fame!

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