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Natural Awakenings Westchester / Putnam / Dutchess New York

Honoring Earth Day in Westchester and Putnam Counties, NY: Go Green at Parks and Other Community Events

This year’s National Park Week, from April 20 to 28, centered on Earth Day, will offer free weekday admission to all 398 national parks from April 22 to 26, adding 134 more historic sites, preserves, recreation areas and other sites to the usual 264 with no entrance fee. Earth Day’s 43rd anniversary celebrations in America and worldwide will encourage everyone to join in the next “billion acts of green,” aligned with the theme: The Face of Climate Change.

 “In the face of unprecedented occurrences of extreme weather, loss of species and pollution, it is clear that climate change is affecting our planet. We cannot afford to wait any longer to act,” advises the Earth Day Network, which posts many ideas for participating at EarthDay.org/takeaction.

Find local park activities by state at nps.gov/findapark/event-search.htm or check a park’s website for upcoming programs. Following are other leading local events that will help citizens of all ages answer the call to go green.

 

Earth Day Westchester at Kensico Dam Plaza

Earth Day Westchester 2013 returns to the Kensico Dam Plaza on April 21, again sponsored by the county Departments of Parks and Environmental Facilities and the Friends of Westchester County Parks. This annual springtime celebration features live music and entertainment, a local farmers’ market, and environmental exhibits and education for homes, business and schools.

Earth Day Westchester will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with chances to win raffle prizes throughout the event. Live music will be provided by Annie and the Natural Wonder Band and the Solar Punch Band. A highlight of the day’s festivities will be the presentation of the county’s Sustainability/Recycling

Geared for all ages, Earth Day Westchester 2013 offers free admission and parking. Kensico Dam Plaza is located at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway in Valhalla, NY.

Details will be posted on the county website, WestchesterGov.com. For more info, contact Adam Kwan at 914.813.5964 or [email protected].

 

Local Earth Day Events

Community Cleanup Day & Hike at Hudson Highlands Gateway Park – Saturday, April 13. 9am-1pm. Sprout Brook Rd/across from softball fields, Cortlandt Manor. Register:  914.734.1004.

Pitch-In for Parks – Sunday, April 14. 11am-3pm. All county parks and nature centers. Volunteers needed for this annual clean up. Sign up: 914.864.7318. parks.westchestergov.com.

Urban Earth Day Dinner – April 18. 7pm. An evening talk by Jonathan Rose on green urbanism followed by a convivial dinner prepared by Fresh Company. Garrison Institute. 845.424.4800. GarrisonInstitute.org.

Earth Day at Hilltop Hanover – Saturday, April 20. 10am-4pm. Hilltop Hanover Farm, 1271 Hanover St, Yorktown Heights. Info: 914.962.2368. HilltopHanoverFarm.org/events.

Rye Rocks Earth Day 2013 – Saturday, April 20. Rain date 4/21. Close to a dozen locations including: The Rye Arts Center, Rye Nature Center and Wainwright House.        

Greater Ossining Earth Day & Stash the Trash – April 20.  11am-3pm, Louis Engel Waterfront Park. Info: GreenOssining.org.

Westchester Earth Day Celebration – Sunday, April 21. 10am-3pm. Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla. Info: parks.westchestergov.com

Earth Day Celebration at Greenburgh Nature Center – Sunday, April 21. 1-3:30pm. 99 Dromore Rd. Scarsdale. Preregistration required: 914.723.3470. GreenburghNatureCenter.org.

3rd Annual Earth Day Event in White Plains – Saturday, April 27. 12noon-4pm. Downtown White Plains at Mamaroneck Ave. Info: CityofWhitePlains.com; 914.422.1411.