Party for the Planet at Wheaton's Cosley Zoo
Earth Day is a time to consider how our daily activities impact the environment, but it's also a time to celebrate the life and the wonders of the planet.
With that in mind, Wheaton Park District's Cosley Zoo will celebrate its Party for the Planet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at 1356 N. Gary Ave.
Among the featured attractions will be Aurora-based singer-songwriter Dave Orleans, who will perform what he calls "earthsinging," emphasizing environmental themes as he plays guitar, banjo, ukulele and recycled instruments. Orleans has played before audiences from coast-to-coast since the 1980s.
Representatives from area conservation organizations and businesses - including The Conservation Foundation, Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Wheaton Park District Green Team, DuPage Water Commission, Environmentally Fashionable/Globally Healthy, SCARCE, Window Works, Norwex, FrogWatch USA and more - will be on-site to discuss their eco-friendly efforts.
Regular daily activities also will be available, from Duck Feeding (10 to 10:30 a.m.) and Chicken Feeding (11:30 to 11:45 a.m. and 1:30 to 1:45 p.m.) to a Discovery Station (10:30 a.m.) and Bobcats Backstage (11 a.m.), according to Tami Romejko, Cosley Zoo education and guest experiences supervisor.
Duck feedings and chicken feedings are $1 per serving; Bobcats Backstage is $10 per Cosley Zoo member and $12 per nonmember; and the Discovery Station is free with regular admission.
Cosley Zoo is not alone in throwing a Party for the Planet. In September 2015, the zoo was accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums for the fourth consecutive time, continuing a tradition started in 2000 with the zoo's first accreditation.
That kind of exclusive recognition is awarded to fewer than 10 percent of USDA-licensed animal exhibitors, and it gives the zoo access to invaluable resources, including relationships with other high-performing facilities.
"Hosting Party for the Planet gives us an opportunity to connect with over 100 other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums nationwide to help spread the message about our amazing planet and the animals that share it with us," said Cosley Zoo Education Manager Natasha Fischer.
"By helping to foster an appreciation for the Earth and its resources, we hope to inspire others to do their part to keep it healthy and protect our wildlife."
Along with upholding some of the highest animal care and welfare standards in the nation, the zoo also fosters conservation initiatives that have positive effects beyond its five shady acres.
The zoo's chapter of FrogWatch USA, for example, allows individuals and families to learn about wetlands and help amphibians by reporting the calls of local frogs and toads during the breeding season (generally February through August).
The next volunteer training session for FrogWatch USA is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 29. Guests can register by emailing frogwatchcosleyzoo@wheatonparks.org. Registration is $7 per person and $20 per household or group.
But the institution-wide commitment to conservation doesn't end with frogs and toads.
Since 2000, the zoo has helped revive DuPage County populations of the Illinois Blanding's Turtle, which was placed on the endangered species list in 2009. Partnering with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, the zoo has so far released more than 1,000 juvenile Blanding's Turtles into local habitats through its Blanding's Turtle Head Start program.
And on a daily basis, the zoo offers several recycling bins for guest use, composts food scraps, repurposes materials rather than purchase new ones, and uses energy-efficient lighting.
U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, founder of the first Earth Day, originally chose the date to avoid conflicts with school schedules and religious holidays. It's a happy coincidence that the late-April weather tends to cooperate, too.
"It's been a long winter," Fischer said. "This is a great opportunity for people to celebrate spring and get outdoors."
To learn more about Party for the Planet, Cosley Zoo's conservation projects, and everything else the zoo has to offer, visit cosleyzoo.org, call (630) 665-5534 or stop in.