Bring a little green into your life this month in honor of Earth Day. On April 22, 1970, the United States celebrated its first Earth Day. Today, Earth Day includes a variety of celebrations and events throughout the entire 30 days of April. And there are plenty of events to participate in without leaving the area. Both the and the are sponsoring a number of free and fee-based activities for the whole family:
Clean Up Bluff Point
Where/When: Sunday April 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at Bluff Point State Park in Groton.
Why Go: Help keep our local areas clean by join the Mystic Aquarium at Bluff Point. The Aquarium asks you register in advance.
Pricing: Free
Clean Up Barn Island
Where/When: Sunday April 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Barn Island in Pawcatuck Why Go: Have you ever walked around Barn Island? It’s beautiful! Help the Mystic Aquarium keep it that way. The Aquarium asks you register in advance.
Pricing: Free
Build a Bluebird House
Where/When: Monday, April 18, 7 p.m. at the DPNC
Why Go: Bring a hammer and learn how to build a birdhouse. In addition to building a birdhouse participants (ages 8 through adult) will learn about local birds and the ideal location to place their newly built home for birds.
Pricing: $15 for members and $20 nonmembers.
Bronx Zoo Bus Trip
Where/When: Tuesday, April 19 from 7:50 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Bronx Zoo
Why Go: Lions and tigers, and bears! Oh, my! Spend the day exploring the zoo. Bus fare, zoo admission, admission to special exhibits and a ride on the Bug Carousel is included in the fee.
Pricing: $60 for DPNC adult member adults, $55 for child members, $70 nonmember adults and $65 nonmember kids
Birds Of Prey, Part One
Where/When: Wednesday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at the DPNC
Why Go: Meet and learn about some of Connecticut’s birds of prey during this free event.
Pricing: Free
Cotton Trail
Where/When: Wednesday, April 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the DPNC
Why Go: Here comes the cottontail bunny, hopping down trail. Designed for children ages 4 through 10, this DPNC program focuses on rabbits that live in Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Pricing: $15 for members/ $20 for nonmembers
Owls Of The World
Where/When: Thursday April 21, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at StoneRidge Auditorium
Why Go: Meet six owls and learn how to attract owls. Pre-registration is required for this event that the DPNC does not recommend for children under 5.
Pricing: $8 members and $10 nonmembers
Earth Day Celebration
Where/When: Friday April 22 at the Mystic Aquarium
Why Go: Celebrate Earth Day with the animals at the Aquarium with a scavenger hunt, a boat race and other activities.
Pricing: Free with admission to the Aquarium.
Earth Week Family Hike
Where/When: Saturday April 23, at 3 p.m. at the DPNC
Why Go: Explore the earth around you by walking the trails at the Nature Center.
Pricing: $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers.
