MCCD to host annual Earth Day celebration April 21
Celebrate Planet Earth from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake. This annual event is co-sponsored by The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and the McHenry County Conservation District.
Learn how you can take measures closer to home to help protect, restore and make an impact. Activities are both inside and outdoors; the event goes on rain or shine!
Live music will be provided by Joe Reilly, with two family-friendly and interactive performances at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. New this year will be an open mic, using environmental themes.
Lend a hand with the Stewardship Project and help restore a habitat. Puppet shows, environmental exhibitors as well as a myriad activities are planned including kids' crafts, games and activities.
Guided nature hikes will be offered at 12:15 and 3 p.m.
The Environmental Defenders' booth includes Water & Natural Resource Protection and Single-Use Plastic Reduction, such as bags and straws. In addition, come learn about how you can be involved with The Defenders by joining and volunteering at our membership table.
Food and beverage vendors will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Toasty Cheese mobile eatery and AJz Kettlecorn Company will be on hand or bring your own "no waste" picnic lunch.
There will be a household recycling drop-off all day, hosted by The Environmental Defenders. Some charges may apply; see www.mcdef.org for accepted items list. As you begin your spring cleaning, drop off your unwanted items: electronics (computers and accessories, TVs, stereos, etc.), small appliances (microwaves must be clean), clean polystyrene, packing peanuts, reusable Bubble Wrap, Christmas lights, fluorescent tubes, VHS tapes, CDs, cassettes, and household batteries. Donations are requested for large TVs or monitors to offset recycling costs (50 cents per pound or not to exceed $40). They also will accept clean shoes, purses, belts, and fiber (clothing, towels, etc.) No smoke detectors, medical devices, console TVs, car batteries, or paint cans.
Founded in 1970, The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides the community with educational programs and volunteer action through committees, including waste reduction & recycling, transportation, water & nature resources protection, BYOBag, education, fundraising and membership. For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders or call (815) 338-0393, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.