It’s a chance to make a difference for the planet.
Frederick, Md (KM) Earth Day is this coming Saturday, April 22nd. And you can learn about nature that day and have fun at the same time, according to Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner.
During her Thursday public information briefing, Gardner said citizens can take part in “Nature Fest” at the Catoctin Creek Nature Center near Jefferson. She says the center will have an open house from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, and there are plenty of activities for the whole family. “There will be bird walks, hands on snake presentations–which may appeal to the kids; I’m not sure that appeals to me so much–and campfire activities. So ‘Nature Fest’ will be a wonderful, great family activity,” says Gardner.
She also says Earth Day could be a good time to try composting. “Composting is actually fairly simple and it can actually make a big difference. When we compost, we throw less in our landfill,” she says.
The state has set goals for composting food waste for each jurisdiction. “So the goal for Frederick County for composting is to recycle 60% of our food waste by the year 2025,” says Gardner. “So to accomplish that, we need to get started and we need get people engaged in that. So that’s about 15,000 tons of food waste every year.”
For those who want to get started, they can purchase GeoBins from the Office of Recycling for $20. The agency also offers classes in home composting. Go to www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/recycling, or call 301-600-2960.
Another Earth Day activity in Frederick County is a clean up of the Ballenger Creek Trail. “People are being asked to volunteer to help pick up litter along the trail. And we know that litter always somehow manages to end up in our waterways,” says Gardner. “The event is part of the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Potomac River Watershed Cleanup.”
Nearby, there’s a stenciling project toking place. “Volunteers will spend the morning stenciling reminders on storm drains in the Kingsbrook subdivision near Ballenger Creek Elementary School., letting people know that anything they dump down the drain will find its way into a nearby creek and into our waterways,” says Gardner.
Both events take place from 9:00 AM 12::00 noon.
“Frederick County’s rich agricultural history was shaped by our natural resources,” she says. “As good stewards, we make sure our children, and their children can enjoy the beautiful vistas, drink clean and breathe fresh air for years to come..”
By Kevin McManus