FIFTY-FOUR YEARS AGO — APRIL 22, 1970 —THE FIRST EARTH DAY was held and people worldwide are planning for this year’s day, which will be next Monday.
The theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics and earthday.org is committed “to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040.”
Locally, Earth Day will be celebrated —and a Morgantown greenbelt promoted —by the Mon Valley Green Space Coalition and the West Virginia Land Trust via a fourth annual Touch the Earth Festival from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the pavilion in Marilla Park. It’s a free event open to all.
The festival will feature fun and educational activities, including a treeplanting event, knot-tying and hammock-camping demonstrations and an electric bike demonstration by Wamsley Cycles.
It will also showcase a map of the proposed Morgantown greenbelt to link greenspaces —city parks, the rail-trail and other public recreational areas.
The trail-building event will start at 1:30, the treeplanting at 2:30 and the guided tour of Marilla Park ’s trails at 3 p.m. The festival will take place rain or shine.
Between today and Saturday, there will be a couple of other nature-related events to check out.
West Virginia Botanic Garden will host a Nature as Nurture Forest Walk at 6 p.m. today.
Participants will be invited to slow down and connect with the forest in an intentional way. They can also experience Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) as well as other ecotherapy techniques to leave you feeling refreshed and grounded. Outdoor educator Marcedes Minana will identify a few trees and plants along the way.
Cost is $5 for WVBG members and $15 for nonmembers. Next, get your hands dirty with the DIY Terrarium Craft Party at 6:30p.m. Wednesday at Hoot & Howl, 245 Walnut St. The $25 registration includes plants to fill your vessel, soil, activated charcoal, an assortment of decorative stones and teeny decorations to add some whimsy.
PAM QUEEN is editor of The Dominion Post. Contact her with comments and suggestions at Editor@DominionPost.com.
