“Party for the Planet” presented by Xcel Energy Starts Friday

Media Alert
April 20, 2016
Contact: Matt Reinartz
matt.reinartz@stpaul.gov
651.487.8294 (o)
651.248.9836 (c)

 

 

It’s A “Party for the Planet” presented by Xcel Energy
A three-day Earth Day celebration April 22 through 24

April 22, 2016 marks the 46th anniversary of Earth Day, a global celebration that also reminds us what we can do to protect the planet’s most precious resources. At Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, we invite the public to a “Party for the Planet” presented by Xcel Energy, celebrating Earth Day all weekend long, beginning 10:00am Friday. Throughout the free, family-friendly weekend, visitors are invited to learn about everything from composting to upcycling at a series of activity stations across the Como campus. Our presenting sponsor Xcel Energy will also be on hand to explore how reducing energy consumption at home can improve the wild habitats around the world. This year, we have teamed up with Metro Transit to offer free ride passes to Como. Be sure to stop by Como’s Visitor Center between 10am – 4pm to check out cool conservation stations.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle at Como

Party for the Planet isn’t just fun and games—it’s also a great way to learn more about simple ways you can make a difference. Some ideas:
• Stop by Xcel Energy’s “Power Ride Bike” interactive station about energy use or challenge yourself with a fun game of "Connect with Efficiency", staffed by Xcel Energy professionals.
• Check out the Nice Ride Station at Como, part of the country’s largest bike sharing system. See how you can plan your next visit with pedal power!
• Have an old cell phone? Drop it in our recycling collection bin in the Visitor Center. Como partners with Eco-Cell for this recycling effort, where proceeds help invest in preserving one of the most critically endangered species on earth, the orangutan. Recycling these items at Como prevents toxic batteries from harming our earth when land-filled and helps to reduce the need to mine coltran, a product used in making cell phones and small handheld electronics that is often illegally mined in an area of Africa that is home to endangered gorillas.
• Ride the Metro Transit to Como for free! To download your free pass, simply click HERE

Party for the Planet – Daily Schedule
10:30 Polar Bear Program……………………………………….Polar Bear Odyssey
11:00 Zookeeper Talk:
Friday: Tigers………………………………………………………...Cats Building
Saturday: Penguins………………………………………….....…….Aquatics Building
Sunday: Millipedes……….…………………………………...……..Tropical Encounters
11:30 Gorilla Program…………………………..………………Gorilla Forest
12:00 Story Time: Bear Wants More…………………………..Visitor Center Lobby
1:00 Gardener Talk: Greening up the Conservatory…………Exhibit Gallery Lobby
2:00 Gorilla Program ………………..…………..………………Gorilla Forest
2:30 Polar Bear Program…………………………………………Polar Bear Odyssey

On Sunday, April 24 at 1:30, The Merry Minstrels (kids from St John the Baptist school in New Brighton, MN) will be entertaining the crowds with English Morris Dancing!

Hey party animals, it’s cool to conserve!

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