5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

By LINDA STAGER West Branch Life

On April 22, Earth Day is the one day we can all become planet huggers and encourage environmental protection for our world Fifty-four years ago, Earth Day started as a “teach-in” on college campuses. Now, it is a global event with up to a billion people participating every year

With our location in the Pennsylvania Wilds, it isn’t too difficult to find a way to commemorate Earth Day. Here are some ideas to dig into (literally, in at least one case) and embrace the day.

1. Rider Park Earth Day Event

April 22, 2023, all day at Rider Park, 1769 Caleb Creek Road, Trout Run

This beautiful 867 acre park, with 10 miles of hiking trails invites visitors to bring a shovel and gloves to plant a tree Tree plantings will take place 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and a tree identification hike will take place from 2-4 p.m. Contact: riderpark.org or email saras@fcfpartnership org 2. Ly-

coming Audubon Society Birding Walk

April 21, 2023 6 p m on the Williamsport River Walk and Timber Trail, Williamsport

The group will gather on the Williamsport side near the river’s dam. Look for the Lycoming Audubon Society signs

The group will walk clockwise, cross the Market Street bridge, walk west a short way, turn around and walk back across the bridge again Bring binoculars and/or your telephoto lens and camera

Contact: Larry Waltz at LNRWaltz@aol.com or Dorothy Halloway at hollowayok@gmail com

3. The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Antique Show and Sawmill

Run

April 22-23, 2023, all day at 5660 US Route 6 West, Ulysses

A few times a year the Lumber Museum invites visitors to view equipment in use The sawmill will run Saturday, the birch still and other historic demonstrations are all weekend

An Earth Day related craft program will also be scheduled from 2-4 p m on Saturday. Visitors can learn the importance of recycling and make crafts from soda bottles

The following week on April 29 at 1 p m Delores Parsil will talk about her book on J.P. McCaskey and his efforts to establish Arbor Day in Pennsylvania

Contact: lumbermuseum org or Jennifer Haines at jenhaines@pa.gov

4. Clinton County Earth Day Celebration

April 22, 2023, all day at The Station Gallery, 2 East Bald Eagle Street, Lock Haven

The Clinton County Arts Council hosts a full day of events to celebrate Earth Day in collaboration with the Clinton County Master Gardeners, Lock Haven University students and other community groups

Contact: 570-748-0949 or stationgallery org

5. Snyder County Conservation District Tree and Seedling Sale

Mail orders to 10541 Route 522, Middleburg, PA 17842

For 2023, not only will the conservation district staff be accepting tree orders to be picked up April 19 - 20 They are also offering bat boxes and rain barrels for sale All items are sold as pre-orders

Contact: Snyder County Conservation District at snydercounty org

PHOTOS PROVIDED Top photo is titled "Earthrise" and is said to be the photo that inspired the environmental movement and Earth Day. Below, the Lycoming Audubon Society seen during last year's Earth Day walk