April 4, 2023
Contact: Kerry Francis, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 740-504-5892 (cell)
Media Package: Promoting Earth Day, Arbor Day and Conservation in April
COLUMBUS – At Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, we celebrate Earth Day all month long!
With Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 26), April is a great time of year to celebrate our natural environment, and invest in nature and conservation. There are several community activities and opportunities to educate residents about the importance of investing in our natural environment and celebrate how nature enhances our community.
Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration: Celebrate Earth Day with the department! Join us Friday, April 26, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at McKnight Outdoor Education Center. At this family-friendly event, you can plant pollinators and trees; register to volunteer. You can also learn about conservation through educational activities and more! A media advisory with more details will be sent closer to the event.
National Volunteer Week: Volunteering is a great way to give back while connecting with others, and take part in preserving our natural environment. During National Volunteer Week (April 21-27), we celebrate the volunteers who help advance the department’s conservation efforts. Last year, 10,754 volunteers invested back in Columbus through efforts such as litter clean-ups and park beautification projects at many of the city’s 415 parks. Other volunteer options include coaching and officiating sports, volunteering at golf courses or working with the Therapeutic Recreation program. Learn more about volunteering with the department!
***MEDIA AVAILABLITY: INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES***
Several department experts are available to talk about Earth Day, Arbor Day, and the importance of conserving and protecting our natural environment. Along with these celebrations, spring break is a great time to educate students about conservation in a fun way.
- Betty Blockinger is available to talk about volunteer opportunities available for individuals, organizations and companies, and the impact volunteers have on the department. Betty is the volunteer services manager for the department.
- Rosalie Hendon is available to talk about trees and conservation. Rosalie is an environmental planner and the project manager for the City’s first Urban Forestry Master Plan.
- Chad Hoff is able to talk about the importance of trees as well as tips on planting and caring for trees. Chad is the assistant city forester.
- Tina Mohn is available to speak to the department's conservation efforts. Tina leads the department's new conservation section, which is celebrating its first anniversary this April.
- Kasey Unser is available to share ways to get kids active outdoors. Kasey is the administrative manager over the department's Outdoor Recreation team.
To learn more about Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, visit ColumbusRecParks.com.
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