DEC Announces Statewide 2017 Earth Day Activities for Weeklong Celebration

Celebrate Earth Day all week with DEC The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will commemorate the 47th anniversary of Earth Day with DEC-sponsored events around the state from April 22 through April 29, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. The earth-friendly activities include multiple opportunities for New Yorkers to connect with nature by hiking, observing wildlife, planting trees, and learning about the importance of protecting the environment. "Earth Day is a good reminder that we all play a role in ensuring that future generations are able to enjoy the state's natural resources and benefit from a clean environment," said Commissioner Seggos. "I encourage all New Yorkers to participate in some of the state's week-long activities and learn what we can do to help protect the environment every day and take a moment to get outside and enjoy the incomparable natural resources our state has to offer." Earth Day was founded by Wisconsin U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 after he toured the devastation of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. On April 22, 1970, demonstrations by an estimated 20 million Americans advocated for a healthy, sustainable environment. Later that same year, DEC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were created and the Clean Air Act was enacted, providing the authority for federal and state governments to limit emissions. In 1972, sweeping amendments were made to the federal Water Pollution Control Act, predecessor to the Clean Water Act. The Endangered Species Act became law in 1973. Earth Week 2017 Activities Saturday April 22, 2017 Fungi with a Fun Gal: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew Explore the wonderful world of mushrooms! Enjoy a walk to look at mushrooms that we find, while learning the basics of mushroom identification and how fungi contribute to the ecosystem. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call (716) 683-5959. Volunteer Opportunity - Earth Day Volunteer Open House: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew Become a volunteer for the environment. Explore volunteer opportunities at Reinstein Woods, such as greeting visitors, becoming a nature guide or helping care for trails. For adults 18 years and older; those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian or parent. Aliens! 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew Are there visitors from outer space in Reinstein Woods? No, just plants and animals that have been introduced from other parts of the world. Join us for a guided tour to meet some of these alien invaders. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call (716) 683-5959. Open Barn: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls Visit cows, pigs, sheep and chickens and learn about the importance of agriculture in the Hudson Valley and how to support local farmers. The lambs are here, with three sets of twins! Earth Day Free Fishing event: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Prospect Park Audubon Center, Brooklyn DEC's fisheries staff will be celebrating Earth Day with a free fishing event at the Prospect Park Audubon Center and offer free fishing rods for public to try fishing. Sunday April 23, 2017 Open Barn: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls Visit cows, pigs, sheep and chickens and learn about the importance of agriculture in the Hudson Valley and how to help support local farmers. The lambs are here, with three sets of twins! Wednesday April 26, 2017 Birdwatching Walk: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PMReinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew Join us for a guided walk to search for seasonal birds. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call (716) 683-5959. Toddler Story Time and Hike: 10:30 - 11:30 AM Rogers Environmental Education Center, 2721 State Route 80, Sherburne, NY 13460 Songs and a story start off this family friendly program followed by a short hike of the trails. Bring a snack or a picnic lunch to enjoy after the hike with your new found friends. For children ages 1 to 4. For more information call 607-674-4733. Thursday April 27, 2017 Family Fun: Outdoors After School: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar Join us after school to get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and have fun outdoors. We'll meet briefly indoors, then head outside for an adventure with time to explore nature. Dress for outdoor activity. For children in grades K-5 and their caregivers. No registration required. After-School Escape: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew Together, kids and their parents or caregivers can enjoy a fun, hour-long outdoor activity. For children in grades K through 5. No registration required. Saturday April 29, 2017 Nature Paints: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew Learn how artists made paints before the introduction of synthetic materials. Materials fee: $4 ($2 for Friends of Reinstein Woods members.) This class is for children ages 10 and older. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call (716) 683-5959. Open Barn: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls Visit cows, pigs, sheep and chickens and learn about the importance of agriculture in the Hudson Valley and how to help support local farmers. The lambs are here, with three sets of twins! Hiking Basics: 9 -10 AM Rogers Environmental Education Center, 2721 State Route 80, Sherburne, NY 13460 Ever thought about walking in the woods or along marked trails, but you don't know where to begin? Do you currently hike but want to explore more areas or hike with a group? Join the Bullthistle Hiking Club for a presentation on the basics of hiking. Topics will include where to hike, proper gear, ideal clothing, and basic hiking tips. Attendees will be given upcoming dates for a variety hikes hosted by the Bullthistle Hiking Club. A short, optional hike will begin after the presentation. Additional announcements will be made throughout next week. For more family friendly earth week events and information about Earth Day, including 50 At Home Earth Day tips, visit the DEC website.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html