DEM says you should explore the outdoors, get active in celebration of
Earth Day
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| Over the years since the first Earth Day in 1970, the event has devolved often ignored "feel good" activity. We need to find that spirit to stand up and fight for the environment if we are to survive Donald Trump. |
"Earth Day is a time to reflect on how precious our
environment is and the little things we can do in our daily lives to protect
and enjoy our natural resources," said DEM Director Janet Coit.
"From carving out time for a restorative hike to
introducing children to the wonders of the outdoors to joining neighbors for a
community cleanup, there are plentiful ways to connect with nature and help
limit our impact on the environment."
Since 1970, Earth Day has served as an annual catalyst for
ongoing environmental education, action and change.
EDITOR’S
NOTE: As one who was actually part of organizing Rhode Island activities for
the first Earth Day, it’s worth remembering in these times that Earth Day was,
at its beginnings, a protest movement. It was a movement against industrial
pollution of our land, air and water. If ever there was a time to reach back
and find that same fighting spirit, it’s now. A walk on the beach is nice, but
it will NOT stop the way the Trump regime intends to reverse decades of
environmental progress. – Will Collette
Activities surrounding the day are focused on broadening public involvement in protecting natural resources and promoting a healthier environment for future generations. DEM, along with many partners, will offer organized activities, beginning this week.
Among the scheduled events are:
Thursday, April 20:
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Lafayette Fish Hatchery, 424 Hatchery
Road, North Kingstown DEM's Division of Fish & Wildlife will host an open
house with continuous tours of the trout hatchery – one of three facilities
where DEM raises fish until they are stocked in state waters. There will be
arts & crafts, hunter safety education, an archery station and
demonstrations, a nature walk, and participants will learn about the life
stages of trout, fly-casting and fly-tying, and fish-feeding. For more
information, contact Kimberly Sullivan at 401.539.0019 or via email at
Kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.
Saturday, April 22:
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Succotash Marsh Management Area, South
Kingstown DEM's Division of Fish & Wildlife will host a birding workshop on
saltmarsh bird identification. Participants will learn about the importance of
these birds to Rhode Island's ecosystem and to identify them by sight and
sound. Online registration is encouraged. For more information, contact Mary
Grande at 401.539.0019 or via email at mary.grande@dem.ri.gov.
Saturday, May 6:
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: State Beaches in South County DEM's
Division of Parks and Recreation is partnering with Washington Trust to host
cleanups at state beaches, including Charlestown Breachway, East Beach, East
Matunuck, Misquamicut, Roger Wheeler, Salty Brine, and Scarborough. Volunteers
will perform litter picking and light brush trimming. DEM is providing
equipment, trash bags and gloves. For more information on volunteering, contact
Tom Rosa at 401.667.6207 or via email at Tom.rosa@dem.ri.gov.
In addition to these planned events, there are a number of other
ways people can get involved in Earth Day:
Join a community cleanup: Help beautify local neighborhoods and
recreation areas by getting involved in a community cleanup project. Earth Day
events are occurring all across Rhode Island.
Find one close to you at http://www.whatgrowsonri.com/earth_day_arbor_day.html.
Find one close to you at http://www.whatgrowsonri.com/earth_day_arbor_day.html.
Track and report marine debris: Use the Marine Debris Tracker
app to document marine debris and log collections from clean ups. The open
source app receives input from users around the globe and is a great tool for
local clean-up groups to log and track shoreline litter control efforts.
Make small, impactful changes: Pledge to make five small changes
that contribute to a healthier planet: conserve water and energy, reduce waste,
support local farms and join conservation efforts.
More ideas at http://www.dem.ri.gov/earthdayx3.pdf. Join the conversation on social media, using Pledge5.
More ideas at http://www.dem.ri.gov/earthdayx3.pdf. Join the conversation on social media, using Pledge5.
Visit a park: Rhode Island is home to 13 historic parks and two
national parks. With over 650 miles of shoreline,
Rhode Island is also home to a vast network of beaches and waterfront recreational opportunities, including seven state beaches. And there are more than 40,000 acres of rural forestland available for the public's enjoyment. Visit www.dem.ri.gov for more information.
Rhode Island is also home to a vast network of beaches and waterfront recreational opportunities, including seven state beaches. And there are more than 40,000 acres of rural forestland available for the public's enjoyment. Visit www.dem.ri.gov for more information.
Go freshwater fishing: DEM recently released over 80,000 trout
into waterways across the state, including Lake Tiogue in Coventry last week.
For a complete list of stocked waters, visit
http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/fish-wildlife/freshwater-fisheries/troutwaters.php.
Go for a bike ride: The Blackstone River Bikeway and East Bay
Bike Path, among others, offer premiere biking experiences in Rhode Island.
Learn more at http://www.dot.ri.gov/community/bikeri/index.php.
Explore Rhode Island's blueways and greenways: Rhode Island is
home to more than 400 miles of hiking trails and abundant fresh- and saltwater
paddling opportunities. Visit www.exploreri.org to learn more.
For more information on Earth Day, visit www.epa.gov. Follow DEM
on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for
timely updates.
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