FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Apr. 21, 2017
DEP Celebrates Earth Day with Statewide
Environmental
Events
~Earth Day activities inspire environmental preservation~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In celebration of Earth Day, the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites Florida residents and
visitors to participate in a variety of fun activities focused on volunteerism,
environmental education and recreation in the state's unique ecosystems and
natural beauty.
Celebrated since 1970, Earth Day has encouraged environmental
conservation and protection for 47 years. A host of state parks and aquatic
preserves are offering festivals, guided hikes, litter cleanups and
informational sessions to encourage residents and visitors alike to get outside
and contribute to bettering their communities.
“Whether it’s
exploring a nature trail or getting your hands dirty at a cleanup event, I
encourage all Florida residents to spend Earth Day outdoors,” said DEP Interim Secretary Ryan Matthews. “Florida state parks and aquatic preserves are offering a variety of special events to celebrate the state’s
unique ecosystems and natural beauty, and recognize the importance of
protecting our natural resources for future generations.”
Participate in a beach cleanup at John D.
MacArthur Beach State Park on Saturday,
April 22, in North Palm Beach as part of the Great
American Cleanup. One of the
nation’s largest community improvement programs, the Great American Cleanup
coordinates events such as cleaning up recreation areas and shorelines, and
increasing recycling, to inspire a new generation of community stewards. Trash
bags and gloves will be provided, and entrance to the park will be waived for
those participating in the cleanup.
Project GreenShores will be hosting a marsh cleanup event on Saturday, April 22 at the Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves. At the event, volunteers will restore shorelines and natural habitats in the area surrounding Pensacola Bay. Stop by to help maintain Florida's unique beach environment.
Florida State Parks will be hosting a variety of other Earth
Day events, including free park admission for the Earth Day Festival at Oscar
Scherer State Park in Sarasota. The Earth Day Festival will feature activities for all
ages, including live music, guided hikes, face painting, tram tours and more. There
will also be food vendors, demonstrations and native plants
for sale.
Additionally, DEP, in partnership with the Southern Waste Information
eXchange, is offering an Operation Medicine Cabinet Event in Clearwater for the free
collection of unwanted or unneeded medications. Drug take-back events are a
safe alternative for disposal and help protect waterways by preventing
medications from being flushed down the drain.
For more information on local Earth Day events, click here.
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