Caring for planet Earth priority of Earth Day events
Celebrations of Mother Earth began early in DeKalb County when several communities held Earth Day events prior to the official day of April 22.
“Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a day of education about environmental issues and the holiday is now a global celebration that’s sometimes extended into Earth Week, a full seven days of events focused on green living and confronting the climate crisis,” according to history.com.
Live bees, starter plants, soil tests, and information about the importance of butterflies and recycling were among the displays at EMBARC Community Youth Farm’s Earth Day Celebration April 19 in Lithonia.
Parents, children, and community members turned out at the event where more than 10 exhibitors shared information related to the environment. Bubbles floating through the air, opportunities to practice golf swings, food, and music were also part of the event.
Beekeeper Edward Morgan with Atlanta Bee Company brought along 300 bees in a wood-and-glass display case so visitors could see the bees at work. Morgan cares for EMBARC’s 18 beehives as well as hives at Atlanta’s airport, a hotel and private homes.
Before giving out samples of honey, he shared that bees pollinate two-thirds of the food people eat.
Sam Landes of the Mushroom Club of Georgia displayed several different mushrooms including oyster mushrooms and an array of books. He said he wanted to share the benefits of mushrooms and their importance to the environment.
Rachel Roberts with Monarchs Across Georgia said her goal in exhibiting at the Lithonia event was to raise awareness of native butterflies and familiarize people with the joys of the outdoors.
Gail Carson, who attended the event with her sister Karen Kinsey, said she was seeking ideas to share with the children who attend her day care.
“We always do something for Earth Day,” said Carson.
Attendees were given an Earth Day Bingo card, which was affixed with a sticker after visiting each exhibitor and could be turned into on completion for a prize.
Other participants included: Georgia Farm Bureau, University of Georgia Extension, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and others.
Also on April 19, city of Stonecrest held an Earth Day Summit at Browns Mill Recreation Center which included a farmers market, vendors, and entertainment.
There’s still time to celebrate the planet.
• On Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Legacy Decatur, the nonprofit stewards of Legacy Park, hosts Community Day, an afternoon of environmental education and social connection. “Join us to learn, share knowledge, connect with green organizations and community builders, and find kindred spirits to help you on your journey to becoming a greener, more connected resident,” states the city of Decatur’s website. The gathering will be headlined by the Decatur Environmental Sustainability Board’s Earth Day Festival and will feature a plant sale. “In addition to sharing the work of the ESB, the event will introduce Hometown Habitats, a new city of Decatur program that recognizes Decatur residents for their commitment to sustainable practices in caring for their property. The first Hometown Habitat winner will be announced at the festival.
• Live Thrive’s Kids Day—Earth Day Celebration takes place April 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at CHaRM DeKalb, 1225 Columbia Drive in Decatur. It’s described as a “fun event focused on recycling and reuse to actively engage children in caring for the planet today and as they grow. Kids Day includes dozens of educational and enjoyable activities just right for young nature-lovers.” The event is free and tickets can be reserved at ticket at https://livethrive.org/kids-day/.
