Earth Day Youth Fair Hopes to get Everyone Seeing Green
In celebration of Earth Day 2015, the Des Plaines Park District and the Des Plaines Environmental and Energy Program, (DEEP Green), are sponsoring the 8th Annual free Earth Day Youth Fair on Saturday, April 18, at the West Park Fieldhouse located at 651 S. Wolf Road in Des Plaines. Several eco-friendly agencies will also be on hand to bring awareness to the conservation of our planet. Guests will have the opportunity to plant beans, create a recycled craft, and learn energy saving techniques and tips.
Children can visit with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary to learn about how to keep our waterways pollution-free by reducing marine debris. There will be activities inside and outside of the West Park Fieldhouse
The Des Plaines Bike & Pedestrian Council will once again be on hand with information about bike safety and routes. Their goal is to promote a walking and biking mind set and create awareness of the features and benefits to the Des Plaines area of riding a bike to work or to the Metra Station.
The first 150 visitors at the Earth Day Fair will receive their choice of a white, red, swamp, or bur oak sapling to take home and plant, courtesy of Living Lands and Waters. Living Lands is an Illinois group aimed at improving the environment. They will give away 150,00 trees this spring. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the net cooling effect of a young healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.
"We look forward to have many young conservationists attend this year's fair to show their support for a greener environment," said Cindy Yelich, Special Events Supervisor. "You are never too young to learn to reduce, reuse, and recycle."
The Des Plaines Park District has a long history of environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. The "Green Team" meets quarterly to review the progress in five key areas: 1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 2. Purchase and Use of Environmentally Safe and Sensitive Products 3. Conserve Natural Resources 4. Preserve Natural Ecosystems and 5. Actively Promote Public Education of Environmental Issues.
The next free community event is the annual Spring Fun Fair, at Mountain View Adventure Center, on May 16 from 10:00am to 1:00pm. The fair includes Touch a Truck sponsored by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, a Climbing Wall sponsored by the Lattof YMCA, the Pooch, Pet & Pedal Parade, sponsored by the Des Plaines City Special Events Commission, an obstacle-course style inflatable, and representatives from many Des Plaines organizations.
For information on programs, classes, and events at the Des Plaines Park District visit www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.