Sunday is Earth Day, an annual event held each April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, it’s now observed in 192 counties around the world.
Global Earth Day activities are coordinated by the non-profit organization Earth Day Network. This year’s global campaign is about ending plastic pollution.
In the Kawarthas, Earth Day is being celebrated with activities to clean up public spaces, celebratory events, environmentally themed workshops, and more. Although Earth Day falls ons Sunday, many events this year are taking place on Saturday.
The weather is supposed to warm up throughout the rest of this week, hopefully melting all that spring snow and ice by the weekend to allow for clean ups. The weather forecast looks pretty good for the weekend, with mainly sunny skies and temperatures over 10°C.
Here’s a list of some of the events happening locally on Earth Day weekend:
City of Kawartha Lakes 20-Minute Community Clean Ups – April 16 to 22
The City of Kawartha Lakes is sponsoring 20-Minute Community Clean Ups during Earth Week (April 16th to 22nd) by providing clear garbage bags and gloves to participants.
Groups or individuals planning a 20-Minute Community Clean Up can register online at www.kawarthalakes.ca/EarthWeek or in person at any Municipal Service Centre.
The city will consult with each participating group to determine the best method of garbage disposal. Please note that garbage must be collected in clear bags in order to be accepted at the landfill.
Repair Cafe at Peterborough Public Library – April 21
Come out for this Earth Day Repair Cafe from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 21st, in the upstairs multi-purpose room at the renovated Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).
Repair Cafe can help you sew a button back on your favourite sweater, glue the handle back on your favourite coffee mug, clean the connections in your toaster, debug your computer, rewire your lamp, amp or vacuum cleaner, and more.
All regular fixing stations will be available (e.g., sewing, electrical, wood/glue and computers). If you are interested in a computer repair, please email repaircafeptbo@gmail.com with details on the issue and you’ll be added to the schedule.
Workshops at Kawartha Lakes Public Library in Lindsay – April 21
Kawartha Lakes Public Library is hosting two Earth Week events at the Lindsay branch (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay) on Saturday, April 21st.
The Lindsay & District Master Gardeners presents “An Introduction to Home Vegetable and Herb Gardening” from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m., and Climate Reality Leaders Ginny Colling and Deborah Pearson present “Understanding and Adapting to our Changing Climate” from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Advance registration is encouraged. More information about both of these events is available at the Lindsay branch by calling 705-324-5632 or by visiting www.kawarthalakeslibrary.ca.
Earth Day at Gamiing Nature Centre in Lindsay – April 21
Gamiing Nature Centre (1884 Pigeon Lake Road, Lindsay) is hosting an Earth Day event from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 21st.
Pat Warren, chair of the Environmental Adisory Committee of the City of Kawartha Lakes, will speak about the Kawartha Lakes Healthy Environment Plan and will engage the audience with Gamiing’s staff in a discussion about the Forest School that Gamiing piloted this past fall and winter.
Little Country Critters will offer a petting zoo starting at 2 p.m., featuring donkeys, sheeps, goats, mini-pigs, rabbits, and more. Crafts include “How to make a Native Talking Stick”, with a walk down the trails to gather sticks and feathers and tables set up in the Discovery Shack with string and beads and scissors.
Everyone who attends Earth Day at Gamiing will have the opportunity to make a Green Pledge for the year and write it on a sticky note, which will be used to make a permanent display of pledges made during Earth Day 2018.
Admission is by donation.
Earth Day Harold Town Conservation Area Clean Up in Peterborough – April 21
With support from the Harold Town Trail Builders Association and the Township of Otonabee South Monaghan, Otonabee Conservation is hosting the second annual Earth Day Clean Up at Harold Town Conservation Area (2611 Old Norwood Rd, Peterborough) on Saturday, April 21st.
From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers will help clean up the public area and selected trails. Bags and gloves will be provided. This family-friendly event will be held rain or shine.
Meet at the main entrance on Old Norwood Road.
Earth Day Jackson Creek Clean Up in Peterborough – April 21
With support from the City of Peterborough, Swish Maintenance, Tim Hortons and community volunteers, Otonabee Conservation is hosting the 20th annual Earth Day Jackson Creek Clean Up on Saturday, April 21st.
From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers will help clean up Jackson Park and the Trans Canada Trail. Bags and gloves will be provided. This family-friendly event will be held rain or shine.
Since 1999, more than 1,500 people have participated in the annual clean up, removing nearly 40 tonnes of litter.
Meet at the main entrance of Jackson Park at Monaghan Road at Parkhill Road in Peterborough.
Rotary Super Spring Clean Up in Peterborough/Ennismore – April 21
The 11th Annual Rotary Super Spring Clean Up takes place at Confederation Park across from City Hall (500 George St. N., Peterborough) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on on Saturday, April 21st.
Following the opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. by Deputy Mayor Henry Clarke, there will be music, presentations, displays, and treats and beverages provided by sponsor McDonalds.
You will receive a clean-up location from a volunteer team. Bags and gloves will be provided. This family-friendly event will be held rain or shine.
For those joining from Bridgenorth, Ennismore and Lakefield, the BEL Rotary Club will be set up at Rotary Park Ennismore at 10 a.m.
Sponsored by Scotiabank, the event is organized by the Rotary Clubs of Peterborough, Kawartha, and Bridgenorth-Ennsimore-Lakefield. The annual event has seen more than 4,000 bags of garbage and recyclables collected from parks, trails, river banks, rail corridors, and road sides.
For more information and to sign up in advance, visit www.superspringcleanup.ca.
Earth Day Sunrise Ceremony at Camp Kawartha – April 22
The 25th annual Earth Day Sunrise Ceremony takes place from 6 to 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 22nd at Camp Kawartha Environment Centre (2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough).
Led by Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders, the ceremony begins at 6 a.m. Out of respect for the Indigenous ceremony, women are asked to wear skirts and pets should be left at home.
Following the ceremony, there will be a potluck feast (bring a contribution) and a presentation by the Sacred Water Circle and discussion on protecting water.
Earth Day Community Clean Up in Hastings – April 22
The Hastings Revitalization Committee is hosting an Earth Day Community Clean Up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 22nd in the Village of Hastings in Trent Hills.
The clean up will take place in the village and the trail. Meet at the Post Office parking lot and wear boots and bring gloves.
For more information, email info@hastingsvillage.ca .
Nature Care Earth Day Awards Celebration in Peterborough – April 22
Peterborough-Kawartha Green Party candidate Gianne Broughton is hosting the Nature Care Earth Day Awards Celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 22nd at Peterborough Lions Community Centre (347 Burnham Street, Peterborough).
The Green Party will be recognizing and celebrating some of the many ways that local people and organizations are caring for the environment. Refreshments will be provided.
If you would like to nominate someone, visit ptbogreens.org/gpo/nature-care-earth-day-awards/. Completed nomination forms should be emailed to ptbogreenevents@gmail.com by Friday, April 20th.
Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge in Northumbeland – April 22 to 28
In 2018, Northumberland County in concert with all of its area municipalities will be hosting the 10th annual Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge from Sunday, April 22nd to Saturday, April 28th.
Hosted by the Northumberland County Waste Department, the week-long litter clean-up event will pick up litter from county roadsides, ditches, parks, and more.
Register yourself or a team by calling your local municipality: Alnwick/Haldimand (905-349-2700), Brighton (613-475-1162), Cobourg (905-372-4555), Cramahe (905-355-2821 ext 122), Hamilton (905-342-2810 ext 119), Port Hope (905-885-2431), and Trent Hills (705-653-1900).
Bags and gloves will be provided.
