Earth Day

EARTH DAY AT 50

By Jamie Marra

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that here in the Pocono Mountains, we are fortunate to be surrounded by nature. But when you’re lucky enough to be immersed in this kind of beauty every day, it’s easy to take it for granted. This year, let’s take time to show a little appreciation for nature by celebrating Earth Day.

Since 1970, Earth Day has been held on April 22 to encourage people to be more environmentally conscious. Prior to 1970, pollution and excessive consumption of nonrenewable resources were prevalent in the United States, and many citizens were blissfully unaware of the dangers these issues posed to the Earth and their own health. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson was determined to increase awareness of the risks being posed to the planet and decided to take action. On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day took place in the United States as a “national teach-in on the environment” at many university campuses. Various events and rallies took place throughout the nation to encourage citizens and lawmakers to help protect the Earth. Later that year, the United States created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and passed the Clear Air, Clean Water, and

Endangered Species Acts. Each year, the event became more and more popular, and in 1990, Earth Day went worldwide.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and in Monroe County, plenty of Earth Day activities have been planned!

Get a headstart on the Earth Day fun with Jim Thorpe’s annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 18. Participate in a Lehigh River clean-up and enjoy live performances and food. Plus, there are plenty of activities and crafts for the kids!

On Saturday, April 25, visit Northampton Community College’s Monroe Campus from 10am-3pm for family fun, including live music, guest speakers, children’s activities, and, of course, food. You can even take a tour of NCC’s green campus. Admission is free, so be sure to bring the whole family!

The Pocono Environmental Education Center, commonly known as PEEC, will hold its Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 25, from 11am-4pm. At just $5 per car, your entire family can enjoy hands-on learning stations, hikes, and

Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson was determined to increase awareness of the risks being posed to the planet and decided to take action. On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day took place in the United States as a “national teach-in on the environment” at many university campuses.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

exhibits, along with food, crafts, and music. As one of the premiere environmental education centers in the region, PEEC is the perfect place to spend your Earth Day.

Interested in getting a little exercise while enjoying the great outdoors? Join ForEvergreen Nature Preserve for the Creek 5K on Sunday, April 26. This scenic trail run follows the Brodhead Creek within Stroud Township’s ForEvergreen Nature Preserve, located at 1539 Cherry Lane, East Stroudsburg. The day begins with a Kids Dash and 1-mile Dog Trot at 9:30am followed by the 5K run/ walk at 10am. But the fun doesn’t stop after the run! Grab a bite to eat, enjoy wine tastings from Eagles Rest Cellars, and participate in educational Earth Day programming. Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit local conservation efforts and the ForEvergreen Nature Preserve. Register in advance by contacting info@phlt.org.

Whether you’re planting trees, cleaning up the

environment, or spending time outdoors, take time to do

your part in making the Poconos (and our Earth) a great

place to be! 

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> Paradise Valley, Far and Away Photo by Nicholas A. Tonelli

1% FOR NATURE

By Jamie Marra

1%, 0.1, 1/100. No matter which way you spin it, 1% is 1%. It may not seem like much, but imagine what 1% could do. What if we had 1% more energy or 1% more time? What if we gave 1% to help others or help keep our community beautiful?

Since its inception in November 2018, 1% for Nature has made it its mission to “support the conservation and public enjoyment of wildlife habitat, trails, streams and parks in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.” Established by a grant from the William Penn Foundation, 1% for Nature raises funds to distribute to eligible local nonprofits and municipalities, including school districts, community colleges, and even the county. Funds may be used for the purchase or preservation of property. Active recreation projects, like trails, access points for paddling and fishing, and even trailhead signs and kiosks, can be established or improved. And in just its first year, 1% raised over $9,000 to support these initiatives!

> Photo by Nicholas A. Tonelli

While modeled after a similar program in Colorado, 1%

for Nature is completely unique to the Poconos. “What’s

different about this model is we’re working with the business

community. They can participate without spending a dime of

their own money if they don’t want to,” explains Samantha

Holbert, Director of 1% for Nature. While some businesses

will choose to make a flat donation, others opt to raise funds

creatively. From donating 1% of a day’s profits to pledging

$1 per item sold, businesses are able to give back with the

help of their customers. “Some businesses have gotten really

creative. We’ve benefited from kickball games, bottles of

wine, and scavenger hunts!” enthuses Holbert.

Looking for a way to help? 1% for Nature has some exciting

partnerships happening in April. Shop at Pocono Soap in

Stroudsburg and for every bar of soap purchased during the

month of April, $2 will go directly to 1% for Nature. Satisfy

Since its inception in November 2018, 1% for Nature has made it its mission to “support the conservation and public enjoyment of wildlife habitat, trails, streams and parks in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.”

Street in Stroudsburg, during the week of April 25, and 10%

of your cupcake purchase will go directly to 1%! Treats for

tress? Now that’s an idea we can get behind! If your car is

ready for maintenance, visit Best Auto Used Cars & Service

Center in Tannersville. All month long, Best Auto will donate

$5 for oil changes and $10 for oil changes with tire rotations

> Cherry Valley, photo by Nicholas A. Tonelli

SHOP NEW. SHOP VINTAGE. SHOP LOCAL.

> Delaware Water Gap, by Jared Gilbertson

Mark your calendar for Bike-N-Brew on Saturday, April 18, sponsored by ShawneeCraft Beer and Edge of the Woods Outfitters. The 16-mile bike ride begins at 10:30am and ends with food and cold brews at the Shawnee Inn. If running is more your speed, register for the Creek 5K on Sunday, April 26, at the ForEvergreen Nature Preserve in Stroud Township. This year, 1% for Nature has teamed up with the Brodhead Watershed Association and the Pocono Heritage Land Trust to support local conservation efforts. With a Kids Dash, 1-mile Dog Trot, and 5K walk/run, this event has something for everyone. After the race, treat yourself to wine tasting from Eagles Rest Cellars - you’ve earned it!

For more information on how you can get involved in 1%

for Nature, visit www.1fornature.org. To stay informed about

upcoming events and business promotions, be sure to “like”

them on Facebook. Whether you’re a business owner, Monroe

It’s not just a day of shopping here in the Pocono Mountains—it’s an experience. Wander our historic streets. Explore our art galleries. Find unique local goods. And stop for a bite at one of our top-rated neighborhood restaurants along the way. Discover all of our shopping and sights now at PoconoMountains.com.