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player ready...Unpredictable April weather Saturday resulted in water-logged grounds at the Kent Fuller Air Station, but did not prevent the Glenview Park District’s Earth Day Celebration.
Now in its 10th year, the event celebrates Earth Day one week early and encourages area families to gather for educational play, environmental exhibits and presentations that promote environmental stewardship.
Although nature walks were canceled this year due to a rain-soaked tall grass trail, a number of indoor activities still took place.
Judith M. Picicco, Glenview Park District’s environmental education supervisor, said the event is about education.
“With this event it’s important for us reveal not only what community organizations can do to support those interested in leading a greener lifestyle, but also feature what we can all do to make a difference,” Picicco said.
Event partners, like the Kohl Children’s Museum, were also on hand. An interactive “Solar Cart” tool taught kids about solar energy and how the sun converts energy into power.
Vito Gioia, director of visitor experience at the Kohl Children’s Museum, said this was the first year that the museum partnered with the Glenview Park District for the Earth Day celebration.
“It’s wildly important that kids of all ages know how important it is to take care of the world around us,” Gioia said, “Cleaner air and clear water leads to better play.”
Ken Kraft of Glenview attended with his wife Kimberly and two children, Hope, 1, and Benji, 3.
“The kids love the art projects like this year making a ‘litterbug’ caterpillar from from old egg cartons, or a necklace out of straws,” he said. “We recycle at home, and we want our kids to begin caring about the earth as early as possible.”
David Zazra, communications manager of the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, said they participated in the event to educate the public not only on what the organization does to provide mosquito prevention, but also to enable individuals to take their own prevention measures, like removing all standing water from around the home.
“Celebrating Earth Day is a way that our community can become more aware of environmental issues and of the importance of being green and learn more about area organizations that support our efforts to lead greener lives,” Picicco said.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.