Environmental Learning Center at Colorado State University Will Host Earth Fest April 17-24

Recognizing the need to educate and raise awareness about the importance of a healthy environment beyond Earth Day, which occurs one day per year, the Environmental Learning Center, part of the College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University, will sponsor Earth Fest from April 17-24.

Earth Fest is a way for people to be outdoors and experience nature as well as for participants to learn about the fundamental components and functions of ecosystems such as water cycles and wildlife habitats.

The week’s events include programs for Boy Scouts, preschoolers, school teachers, students, families, gardeners, volunteers and anyone interested in supporting the environment.

In conjunction with its Earth Fest activities, the ELC is encouraging the community to "Adopt an Acre," a fundraising campaign that encourages individuals to make a contribution to the ELC to support the center and its programs. Last year, the ELC was able to raise sufficient funding from the community to retain its programs. Similar support will be critical to continue programs next year.

The idea for Earth Day started in 1960s when Sen. Gaylord Nelson decided it was critical to position environmental issues in the political spotlight. By 1970, the celebration had become a national event. Nelson stated that Earth Day was so successful because of the spontaneous response at the grassroots level. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995 for creating Earth Day and inspiring Americans to remember that the stewardship of our natural resources is the stewardship of the American Dream.

All programs will take place at the ELC East Drake site, 2400 Ziegler Road. All programs and events require an RSVP via phone at (970) 491-1661 or by email elc@cnr.colostate.edu.

A schedule of events follows.

April 17 – Boy Scouts: Spring into Spring

Programs for scouts based on merit requirements.

9-11 a.m. Tigers (Let’s Go Outdoors) & Wolves (Your Living World)

1-3 p.m. Bears (Water and Soil Conservation) & Weblos (Forester)

$5 per scout.

April 20 – Nature Trails: The Earth and I

Program for ages 3-5 and parents

11 a.m.-noon

$5 per child.

April 23 – Evening Campfire: Mountain Man

An evening of story-telling for the entire family.

7-8:30 p.m.

Donations requested.

April 24 – Bird Banding

Join the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory in banding birds.

7-11 a.m.

Suggested donation of $10.

-Spring Volunteer Day

Help get the ELC ready for spring.

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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