Earth Day Celebrations across Delaware

White Clay Creek State Park

Earth Day, April 22, is right around the corner and there are a lot of celebrations planned across the state of Delaware.

Whether you are a family, an activist, or a nature-lover, there is something for everyone who would like to celebrate our lovely planet, Earth.

I’ve only compiled a partial list, but you’ll see that I’m not skimping on the events by any means.

Please keep in mind that all state parks are charging their entrance fees. Check out the Department of Parks and Recreation website for more information.

Afternoon Paddle

Where: Lums Pond State Park
When: Saturday, April 18
Time: 1 p.m.
Fee: $10 per person

You can go and enjoy the beauty of nature while kayaking at Lums Pond State Park. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, egrets, and even beavers.

Children under 18 years are required to be with an adult for the trip.

Personal floatation devices will be provided.
Meet at the nature center.

For more information, call Lums Pond State Park at (302)368-6989.

Christina River Clean Up

This is the 18th annual clean up event of the Christina River watershed and it’s still going strong. Since it’s inception in 1992, over 10,000 volunteers have pulled out 600,000 pounds of trash from the river.

When: Saturday, April 18
Time: 8 a.m. – Noon

You choose one of the 10 sites you would like to clean up.

Sites include the following: Naamans Creek, Fox Point State Park, City of Wilmington, Churchmans Marsh: Christiana, Churchmans Marsh: Newport, Churchmans Boat Ramp, White Clay Creek State Park, Brook Haven Park, and Dayett Mills

Volunteers are asked to wear brightly colored clothing, long sleeves and pants, boots or water-resistant shoes, hat, heavy duty gloves, insect repellant, and sunscreen.

If you are looking to be part of the action to clean up our planet, you are asked to register by April 16.

Check out their website to register to volunteer or learn more about the event.

DSWA: Earth Day Celebration

Where: Killens Pond State Park
When: Saturday, April 18
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

You are welcome to join DSWA with their 9th Earth Day Celebration. Bring the family down for a petting zoo, pony rides, moon bounce, face painting, live music and food.

There will be environmental information provided by over 30 exhibitors, a Native American program, plus much more.

For more information, contact the Citizens’ Response Line 1-800-404-7080.

Earth Day Concert

Where: Bellevue State Park
When: Saturday, April 18
Time: 1 p.m.

Are you more of a music lover? Come to Bellevue State Park’s outdoor band shell for an Earth Day concert. Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnics and enjoy your day outside.

During intermission, the winners of the 2009 Earth Day Poster contest will be announced.

Call the park’s office at (302) 761-6963 for more information.

Earth Day Tree Planting

Where: Lums Pond State Park
When: Saturday, April 18
Time: 9 a.m.

Love plants? Come on down to the tree planting at Lums Pond.

For more information, call Lums Pond State Park at (302)368-6989.

Kite Day

Where: Brandywine Creek State Park
When: Saturday, April 18
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $2 per kite

Celebrate Earth Day with the fun of flying kites. Make your own and give it a spin.

Contact the park’s office, at (302) 577-3534 for more information.

Owl Prowl

Where: Brandywine Creek State Park
When: Saturday, April 18
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Fee: $4 per person

You’ll learn a bit more about Delaware owls before heading outside to listen for them in the park.

Please keep your flashlights at home.

Contact the park’s office, at (302) 577-3534 for more information.

Party for the Planet

Where: Brandywine Zoo
When: Saturday, April 18
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fee: Free once you pay the entrance fees of $4 adults (12 years and up), $2 seniors, $2 youth (3-11 years), free for members and children under 3 years.

Enjoy a day at the zoo and celebrate our planet with live entertainment, games, crafts, live animal presentations, and much more.

Please call the Brandywine Zoo at (302) 571-7747, for more information.

Worms, Slugs, and Bugs

Where: Delaware Museum of Natural History
When: Saturday, April 18
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4: 30 p.m.
Admission: $6 adults, $5 children (3-17), $4 seniors, free for members and children 2 years and under

Bring your family to learn the joys and wonders of our creepy-crawly friends. Children can participate in a butterfly obstacle course, learn about compost with real worms in action, take home an insect magnet craft, and cheer on their favorite slug in the slug races.

You can even see a giant robotic praying mantis in the museum’s newest exhibit, Backyard Monsters: The World of Insects.

Tri-State Waste Solutions, the sponsor of the event, will offer recycling tips.

See the Recycling Angels’ Smart Car, and learn more about energy conservation from the Delaware Energy Office.

For more information visit their website or call 302-658-9111.