Twenty million Americans celebrated the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Today, more than one billion people in 141 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, according to Earth Day Network.
Lake County has been holding activities throughout the week leading up to Earth Day. Here are some ways to celebrate Earth Day on Friday and Saturday in Lake County. All events listed are free and no registration is required.
Nature’s Melodies at the Lake County Forest Preserves
When: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday
Where: Shelter A, Hastings Lake, 21155 W. Gelden Road, Lake Villa and Shelter A, Lyons Woods, 10200 Blanchard Road, Waukegan
Information: 847-367-6640; www.lcfpd.org
All ages can hike through the woods, focusing on natural sounds, then listen to songs and stories around a campfire. Participants also will make a musical instrument from recycled materials and items found in nature.
Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration
When: 8:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Village of Lindenhurst Village Hall, 2301 Sand Lake Road, Lindenhurst and Millennium Park, 201 Country Place, Lindenhurst
Information: 847-356-8252; www.lindenhurstparks.org/
Lindenhurst celebrates Earth Day and Arbor Day with a fun run and kite-flying event. At 9 a.m., the park district features an Earth Day 5K Fun/Run Super Hero Race at Millennium Park. Participants are encouraged to dress like a superhero or create their own environmental superhero. Registration is at 8:15 a.m. The annual kite fly runs 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Slove Park next to village hall. The first 50 participants receive a free kite. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to the event.
Rookery Watch
When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday
Where: Almond Marsh, 32550 Almond Road, Grayslake
Information: 847-362-5134; lakecountyaudubon.org
The Lake County Audubon Society guides participants of all ages in viewing nesting herons and other waterfowl at the marsh. A spotting scope is provided. The Audubon Society continues the event every Saturday through nesting season.
Amphibian Exploration
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday
More Top Picks Best Home Gym Equipement
Where: Ryerson Woods, 21950 North Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods,
Information: 847-367-6640; www.lcfpd.org
As part of the Lake County Forest Preserve’s weeklong celebration of Earth Day, participants are invited to hike outdoors listening for frogs and looking under logs for salamanders. Participants can view live amphibians indoors afterward.
Astronomy Day
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. Saturday
Where: College of Lake County, Technology Building, 19351 Washington St., Grayslake
Information: lcas-astronomy.org or email [email protected]
The Lake County Astronomical Society presents family-oriented daytime activities including comet-making demonstrations, solar observation through a special telescope and a walking tour of a scale model of the solar system. A craft table will introduce children to astronomy. Society members will host an outdoor star party at 7 p.m. featuring telescopes that give participants the chance to see the moon, stars and planets.
Restoration Work Day at CLC
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday
Horticulture Building, College of Lake County, 119351 Washington St., Grayslake
Information: 847-543-2643; www.clcillinois.edu/gogreen
CLC Horticulture instructor Jeff Weiss will explain how replacing invasive plants with native ones helps with restoration, improves water quality and benefits wildlife. Participants will then help with restoration work. Bring work gloves and drinking water and wear appropriate clothing, including long pants and closed-toed shoes.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer.