Happy Earth Day!

This weekend is Earth Day! Hopefully you have found a fun Earth Day celebration to head over to, or are planning on taking some time to enjoy our the natural environment!
Here are some event listings from the CT DEEP website:

Friday, April 20

Windsor Community Clean-UpGet your friends and relatives to join you and feel good about doing something for the local environment. You can make a difference every day! Meet behind the Windsor Town Hall, 275 Broad Street, at 11:45 AM. Make sure to wear closed shoes and long pants. Gloves and a snack will be provided. Children 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult. The clean-up will last until 4:00 PM. For more information contact Cyd Groff at (860) 285-1987 or send an email togroff@townofwindsorct.com. You can also visit the Windsor website,www.townofwindsor.com.

Visit CT NOFA at the Woodbury Community Earth Day!

Lights Out Hartford Throw The Switch for Charity!  (Hartford)Rebuilding Together Hartford is hosting an exclusive fund raiser at the Connecticut Science Center. In the name of conservation, we will "Throw the Switch for Charity".  The idea is to promote energy conservation awareness in Connecticut and raise funds for charity. Join us as we toast to turning unused lights off on Friday night, April 20th from 7:00 to 11:00 at the Connecticut Science Center.
For tickets, visit lightsouthartford-eorg.eventbrite.com

The Connecticut Science Center will open its doors at 7:00 pm on Friday, April 20th. At precisely 10:15 pm, The Science Center and other participating Hartford public and private sponsors will shut their unused office lights off to create rare spectacle in honor of conservation. In celebration of Earth Day 2012, we will view the spectacular event from Science Alley.

For tickets or for further information, visit lightsouthartford-eorg.eventbrite.com. Additional  contact Mike Weed at 203-530-8346 or by email at michael.weed@budderfly.com

Sound CommunitiesEnvironmental issues affecting Long Island Sound and its communities - Keynote address by CT DEEP Deputy Commissioner, Susan Frechette. Panelists Judy Preston, CT Sea Grant; Penny Vlahos, UConn Avery Pt.; David Bingham, League of Conservation Voters; & Bill Kirby, US Coast Guard headquarters.
This free event takes place from 7 - 9 pm at Leamy Hall, Coast Guard Academy, New London and is sponsored by CGA Sustainability Club & New London County Environmental Educators Coalition. Arrive at 6:45 to view informational displays.

For further information, contact Amy Cabaniss at acabanis@conncoll.edu or 860-439-5217

Enfield Earth Day Celebration

The Town of Enfield will celebrate Earth Day on the Town Green on Friday, April 20 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a variety of entertainment and activities, including demonstrations, games, and a drawing for a free compost bin. Info Shred, sponsored by Rockville Bank will be on hand to shred outdated documents. Residents are invited to shred up to two boxes, 10"hx12.5"wx16"d of outdated documents. It is not necessary to remove staples or paperclips but documents need to be out of binders and notebooks. It's time to clean out your closets and bring your gently used clothing which will be donated to Allied's Attic. Residents can also bring up to 6 expired CFL Light bulbs for recycling. Remember to stop by the Enfield Clean Energy Table. For more information, contact the Enfield Public Works Department at (860) 763-7560 or visit http://www.enfield-ct.gov/content/21816/21967.aspx

Saturday, April 21

2nd Annual Trashion Fashion Show (Hartford)Trashion Show will be emceed by Hartford's fashion guru Debbie Allen Wright of Project Closet. The runway is set to live fusion music from local musical guests The Little Ugly.  There will be art featured on the walls made from used and recycled materials.  The "Trashion" are garments made from consumer waste, worn by models and dancers.  Materials including newspapers, plastic bags, paper goods, books, old clothing, soda cans, straws and mirrors will be featured. The designers and artists are students, professionals and novices from Hartford & Litchfield counties and Boston, MA. There will be a Question & Answer session with the artists & designers after the show.

Location:   ArtSpace Hartford, 555 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT 06105
Time:   7:00 - 10:00 pm

For further information, contact Amy Merli by email or phone at 860-309-3985 or visit:  https://www.facebook.com/events/163511603756375/

 

Earth Day Hike in BloomfieldCome and celebrate special places in Bloomfield.  This is a family friendly outing and an easy hike lasting about an hour and a half. All ages are welcome. Parents come with your children and be prepared to hike; wear sturdy footwear and bring water.  Meet at 120 Mountain Ave at the Captain Oliver Filley House in Bloomfield at 2:00 PM.   Rain Date April 22nd; check web site for changes.   See blog for map.  Hiking highlights: The 1834 Greek Revival Stone Captain Oliver Filley House, Wades agricultural fields in spring season, views of panoramic Hartford from Hawk Hill on the LaSallette Trail, the conjunction of two sub-watersheds in the North Branch Park River Watershed and the LaSallette Trail connection through Hawk Hill Farm.

 

For weather cancellations visit www.wintonburylandtrust.org    For further information contact Vikki Reski at 860-243-1749 or by email at vikki.reski@comcast.net

 

 

Hamden's 6th Annual Earth Day Celebration This family event will be held from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Hamden Middle School, 2623 Dixwell Avenue. It will feature environmental exhibitors, school exhibits, food, free activities (including face painting, scavenger hunt, woodworking projects), and giveaways galore. Free shows include ART FARM -- A Circus for a Fragile Planet at 1pm, 9am bird walk, WTNH Weathervan, Reptiles, Magic Shows, solar demonstrations, organic land care workshops, and Carbon Nation Movie. Hamden's Earth Day Celebration is brought to you by Walmart, Dexsil, Covanta, the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, and Home Depot. For more information, contact Pamela Roach at (203) 287-7021 or via email atPRoach@hamden.com. You can also visit www.hamden.com.

 

Woodbury Earth DayFor the 18th year Woodbury, CT will celebrate Earth Day in a big way. This year's theme is 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' and the celebration will feature exhibits, activities, vendors and non-profit organizations who are dedicated to sharing their passion for green living.  Learn about reducing your carbon footprint, enjoy delicious all natural and organic foods and beverages, and meet Connecticut companies that are making a difference.  There will be fun for all ages. The event will last from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Hollow Park on Hollow Road in Woodbury. The festivities are sponsored by the Woodbury Business and Economic Development Committee and by New Morning Market. Vendors for this year and next are asked to visit www.woodburyearthday.org for details and an application. For more information contact Mike Cunningham at (203) 232-6285 or email woodburyearthday@gmail.com. You can also visit the event website,www.woodburyearthday.com.

 

Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride, New HavenTwo Rocks | 1000 Riders | 20 Organizations | One Cause
Join us as we travel from West Rock and East Rock, with celebrations on both sides of New Haven. Along the way, eat tasty food, hear great music, take on environmental service projects, and explore our city's parks and neighborhoods. All are welcome. Rock to Rock raises funds for 20 environmental groups, working together to create a greener, healthier community. Meet at Common Ground, 358 Springside Avenue, New Haven at 8:30 for registration and breakfast. Pre-registration is encouraged and discounted: $30 for adults, $20 for seniors, $15 for ages 18 and under. Register online at
www.firstgiving.com/commongroundct/rocktorock2012 . For more information contact Joel Tolman at (203) 389-4333 x1214 or via email atjtolman@commongroundct.org . You can also visit the event website,www.rocktorock.org, to learn more and to see a full list of event sponsors.

 

 

Enjoy Earth Day - Wilton's Environmental Celebration Ribbon Cutting and Dedication of Wilton's new Wellness Park, Chamber of Commerce CASH MOB for Earth Day specials, 1 mile Family Fun Run, Environmentally Healthy Scavenger Hunt and litter pick-up, Preparation of Community Garden at Trackside, Spring Program Displays at Trackside, Nissan Leaf, Healthy Refreshments and Dan Esty, CT Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, to speak on "Protecting our Environment in Turbulent Times"

The free event takes place from noon to 3pm at School Road, Wilton Center, and Trackside Teen Center, Wilton.  For further information visit www.wiltongogreen.org or contact Karen Strickland at 203.762.8384 x279 or by email at kstrick@wiltonymca.org

 

 

Earth Day Solar Open House (Portland)A member of Portland's Clean Energy Task Force will be opening his home up to Connecticut residents interested in renewable energy. A solar representative will be on hand to answer questions and talk about why now is the best time to invest in solar. Capacity is limited-reserve your spot today!  There will be two 45-minute presentations beginning at 10:00 am and 11:30 am. Register at bit.ly/SolarOpenHouse or call at 860-372-4406 and let us know what time slot you would like to attend.  (The address of the Open House (in Portland, CT) will be given upon registration.) Sponsored by Portland Clean Energy Task Force, Portland's Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge.

 

For further information, visit www.ctenergychallenge.com/events   or contact Chamae Munroe at cmunroe@ctenergychallenge.com  or 860-372-4406

 

 

Earth Day at the Habitat ReStore in Cromwell

 

Help save the environment by:

• Recycling gently used home furnishings or building materials. Your donation helps us raise funds to continue to build homes and hope in Middlesex County!
• Exploring local green alternatives

Join our celebration from 11 AM to 5 PM at ReStore, 34 Shunpike Road, Unit 24-26 Cromwell, CT 06416. Bring your surplus technology devices technology for recycling, come and see the newest electric and hybrid vehicles, and participate in a fabulous silent auction and face painting for kids and adults. Free food and beverages provided. This event is sponsored by the Middlesex Habitat for Humanity. For more information call Hector Aguilar at (860) 788-6483 or email haguilar@habitatmiddlesex.org. You may also visit the event webpage,www.habitatmiddlesex.org.

 

 

Celebrate Earth Day with a Hike around Notch Pond  (Bolton)

Join Bolton Conservation Commission members and many elected and appointed public officials as we learn about - Transit Oriented & Sustainable Development, Filling the East Coast Greenway Gap, CT DEEP Proposal to Remove or Repair Notch Pond Dam, 11th Annual Town Wide Photo Contest and Sale of Rain Barrels.  Also, a Bull Moose was recently photographed in the area of Freja park. Bring your camera as we hike around the moose habitat of Notch Pond!

Event takes place at 9:00 a.m, rain or shine.  Meet in the Bolton commuter lot, Rt 6/44 across from Georgina's Pizza. 1.5 mile Hike around Notch Pond in Bolton.  Sponsored by the Bolton Conservation Commission.   (No dogs please.)

For further information, contact Rod Parlee, Chairman by email atcaptundra@aol.com or by phone at 860-649-8066 ext 110.

 

Sunday, April 22

Earthstock Celebration at Tunxis Community College (Farmington)The community is invited to Earthstock Connecticut from 10 AM to 4 PM at Tunxis Community College in Farmington. The event will feature eco-minded vendors and exhibitors, music, food and family activities. Some of the highlights include performances on a solar powered stage by John Mayock and The Homesteaders, The Green Jazz Band, and Tunxis Community College Student Jazz Ensemble. Participants can also take part in drumming circles by Power of the Drum, face painting, massage therapy, hair extensions, rides on the Roaming Railroad’s electric engine train, and greetings with costumed characters. Vendors will sell items such as jewelry, crafts, candles, apparel, handbags, handmade soap, honey, art, and more. A portion of proceeds from these sales will be donated to the Tunxis Community College Sustainable Energy Fund.

For an update of vendors, demonstrations and a schedule of performances and activities, visit www.earthstockconnecticut.com. Rain date is April 29.

Solar Installation Grand Opening Celebration (East Haddam)Grand Opening Celebration for new 66KW photovoltaic array at Ballek's Garden Center, 90 Maple Ave., East Haddam CT 06423.  This installation will produce over $1,000,000 in clean electricity over its expected 30 year operating life while reducing the need for use of fossil fuels.  Solar technology really works!!!  Going Green---the best solution is using the sun!!!

Open to anyone interested in learning about solar energy/PV and solar hot water technology, and how state and federal incentives make it  really affordable.  Light refreshments will be served.

For further information, visit www.befreesolar.com or contact Bob Ballek at 203-931-5560 or by email at bobballek@befreesolar.com

Celebrate YOUR Land at Eagle Landing State Park and Clark Creek Wildlife Management Area (Haddam)Celebrate the end of the Haddam Land Swap and enjoy your land on this Earth Day!
Help the group pick up litter and debris from 10 AM to Noon.  Hear a brief story of the grass-route group's struggle to keep these lands protected.  Come play, explore, relax and just appreciate these protected lands along the beautiful Connecticut River.
This free event takes place at Eagle Landing State Park and Clark Creek WMA Bridge Road (RT 82), Haddam - by the swing bridge from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Hot Dogs and salads available from 12:30 to 2 PM.  Please bring your own beverages - water and soft drinks available.
Sponsored by Citizens for the Protection of Public Land.

For further information, visit www.landswap.com or contact Rob Smith at 860-873-2189 or    landswap2011@hotmail.com 

Peace on Earth Day (West Hartford)Celebration of earth and our stewardship of her.  A meeting for Worship at 10 a.m.; an "organic and/or local foods" picnic at 11:30 a.m;, music and drumming starting at 12:30; workshops in composting and a demonstration of aquaponics; creation of a driveway mural, giving of red maple saplings and booklets on trees for donations.

Event takes place at Hartford Friends Meeting, 144 S. Quaker Lane, West Hartford from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; and is sponsored by Center for Serenity, Hartford Friends Meeting, Growing Greener Group, Cool Quaker Kids, Playtivity and Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN)

For further information contact Nancy Mason at kmason02@aol.com or 860-772-1985.