Free trees to mark Earth Day
ELKHART — Free trees are part of the celebration marking Earth Day on Saturday at the Elkhart Environmental Center.
The annual event this year is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the city's environmental education center, 1717 East Lusher Ave., five blocks east of Main Street.
In addition to the free tree giveaway, the event will feature activities for children, the annual spring plant exchange and aa habitat restoration activity. The event is free and family-friendly, according to organizers.
This year's tree giveaway, sponsored by Indiana Michigan Power, starts at 10 a.m. Guest can take home one of 21 tree species being offered. Trees range in size from 2 to 5 feet tall. Trees are usually claimed quickly, but this year there are more to go around: the EEC will be giving away around 400 trees.
At 10:30 a.m., visitors can stop by the Kids Activities and Workshop tent to build a free bluebird box to take home while supplies last. On the other side of the tent, youngsters can enjoy crafts and activities throughout the event.
At noon, the Spring Seeds & Starters Exchange begins. Residents are invited to bring their seeds, bulbs and spring plant starts to exchange with other gardeners; plants must be healthy, potted in soil and properly watered; plants and seeds must be non-invasive species.
All event-long, guests can enjoy booths, free face painting and food from Phabulous Phoenix Rolling Diner. They can also support a new group working to tackle invasive species in Elkhart County and help them remove invasive honeysuckle from around the center – and replant the area with new native trees.
Participants can learn more about the environment and the services the city provides by visiting one of the city department booths. The city's aquatic biologist will be near the river to talk about the health of local waterways – with live fish from the river. You can also stop by and chat with other city departments and community organizations, such as the Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District, Elkhart Public Library (they're bringing their book bus)and Indiana Master Naturalists.
The Elkhart Environmental Center is an environmental education facility that opened in 1991. The Center offers educational programs, events and volunteer opportunities for the public. Information about the center's programs and events can be found online at www.elkhartindiana.org/eec.
More information about the Earth Day event is available at 574-293-5070 or from the event website at www.elkhartindiana.org/EarthDay.
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