Community Earth Fest to Celebrate World Earth Day at Colorado State’s Environmental Learning Center April 20

As part of the global Earth Day celebrations, Colorado State University’s Environmental Learning Center and students of the Department of Natural Resources will host the first annual community Earth Fest on April 20.

Earth Fest is open to the entire Northern Colorado community from 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. at the Environmental Learning Center’s East Drake site at 2400 S. County Road 9.

The all-day event will feature an outdoor community service project, presentations, booths, interactive nature programs and storytellers focused on environmental education and awareness.

"This is an opportunity for the community to learn about their natural environment and gain awareness of local resources," said Christina Green, education director of the Environmental Learning Center at Colorado State. "It’s also a great event for Colorado State students to broaden their learning experiences and appreciation for the environment through outdoor service projects."

From 9:30-11:30 a.m., community members are invited to help with trail maintenance and litter cleanup in the surrounding nature areas of the center. From 1-5 p.m., presentations and interactive booths will showcase various local environmental groups, including the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Fort Collins Audubon Society and the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program.

Earth Fest activities will conclude with several storytellers who will give voice to nature through music and interactive storytelling activities beginning at 4:30 p.m. While geared for community members of all ages, children will particularly appreciate this portion of the event. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy while listening to the storytellers.

"We encourage everyone from the Fort Collins and Colorado State communities to come out to the Environmental Learning Center to participate in the Earth Fest celebration and enjoy the outdoors while learning more about the environment," Green said.

For more information, call Green at (970) 491-1661.