April 17, 2017, kicks off Earth Week and the city of Newcastle is inviting readers to join as it celebrates the environment at events across the city.
Volunteers, city staff, local businesses and nonprofits previously partnered to host a one-day Newcastle Earth Day event at Lake Boren Park. This April, the city will host an Eco Fair and two volunteer work parties to spruce up local parks, instead of the annual festival.
Earth Day Story Times
10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. April 17 and 19 at Newcastle Library, 12901 Newcastle Way
Story Times at the Newcastle Library will have a decidedly “green” theme this week. Join your favorite librarians as they read books illustrating environmental subjects.
Newcastle Eco Fair
9:30-11:30 a.m. April 18 at Newcastle City Hall, 12835 Newcastle Way
The Newcastle Eco Fair, geared toward children ages 3-5 and their families, offers hands-on educational stations, giving kids a chance to learn about trees, plants, water, soils and animals. Adults will have access to informational brochures and learning opportunities. This event is held in partnership with Waste Management, the Newcastle Library and the Coal Creek Family YMCA.
Volunteer Work Parties at Newcastle Parks
3:30-5:30 p.m. April 19 / Donegal Park, 7319 125th Place SE
3:30-5:30 p.m. April 20 / Highlands Park, 9100 140th Ave. SE
Lend a hand and help spruce up these local parks. Attendees will have the chance to take home giveaways. Volunteers will be treated to free pizza. Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Earth Week activities are made possible, in part, by a grant from the King Conservation District. By hosting several smaller-scale activities throughout the week, the city is able to use grant money typically allocated for the Earth Day Festival and invest in watershed and environmental programs in Newcastle elementary schools and the new middle school.
