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Community Corner

A Billion Acts of Green: Earth Day 2011 Activities

Earth Day 2011 will offer opportunities to learn about protecting the environment. This year's theme is "A Billion Acts of Green."

Earth Day, April 22, is a reminder about the importance of environmental protection and sustainability. Most importantly, it reminds us that we can a make a difference when it comes to our planet.

The first Earth Day celebration was held in 1970 and it launched the modern  environmental movement with over 20 million Americans from all walks of life.

This movement prompted the passage of groundbreaking laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

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The Earth Day Network reports more than 1 billion people participate annually in Earth Day activities, making it the largest civic observance in the world.

The Earth Day Network works with over 22,000 partners in 192 countries to spread its green message.

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This year’s theme is “A Billion Acts of Green” and the goal is to generate a billion acts of environmental service and advocacy before the global Earth Summit 2012 in Rio. Submit your act of green at http://act.earthday.org/.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Earth Day - Work Day!

Make a positive impact on the environment on Earth Day and go to the Patuxent Research Refuge. Projects will include picking up trash, cutting invasive vines and more. Volunteers ages 10 and older should wear long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes and insect repellent.

Location: Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract
Date and time: Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. to noon

Quiet Waters Park Earth Day Celebration and Third Annual Family,
Music and Kite Festival

This family day of outdoor fun will offer interactive activities such as a lady bug tracking program and a bird walk to teach the community about preserving, protecting and exploring nature. There will also be live music, kite flying, storytime for children and more.

Location: Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis
Date and time: Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ask a Master Gardener

Ask gardening questions and bring your bug, weed or plant in a sealed plastic bag for analysis.

Location: Crofton Branch Library, 1681 Riedel Road, Crofton
Date and time: Saturday, April 23,  9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Little Planet Helper Event

This family-oriented Earth Day event will be held in the Arundel Mills Food Court.

Location: Arundel Mills Mall, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover
Date and time: Saturday, April 23, 1 to 3 p.m.

Earth Day Container Giveaway

Pick up a recycling container from the Green Club.

Location: Meade Middle School, 1103 26th St., Ft. Meade
Date and time: April 28, 2 to 4 p.m.

An educational and fun day with  demonstrations, exhibits and children's activities.  There will be a food court for snacks and lunch.

LOCATION: SEVERNA PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL

DATE AND TIME: APRIL, 30  10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.

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