9th Annual Earth Day Festival Saturday

The theme for this year's ninth annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday is “Going Green on Earth Day and Every Day.”

The event will feature many new and returning exhibits and demonstrations from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at .

Hosted by the Greater Severna Park Watershed Action Group, highlights of the day include rain barrel sales, rain garden demonstrations, exhibits from Fuel Cell Vehicle, solar energy, live (adoptable) animals, games and crafts on how you and your family can help improve the local environment.

There will be a “Shred it” truck available to properly dispose of your confidential documents. Donations will be accepted by the

Pre-orders of the Earth Machine composter are also being taken ().

Event organizer Jim Brennan told Patch in an email that there are many ways people can make a difference in the environment.

"The water quality of the Severn and Magothy [rivers] continues to deteriorate," Brennan said. "Before you settle on the argument that there is nothing you can do about it, we would like to teach you ways that you can make a huge difference right in your own backyard.

"Whether you live on the Cattail, Sullivan Cove, Cypress Creek, Deep Creek, Mill Creek, or Round Bay, your home is 'water privileged' and that means a lot to your lifestyle, not to mention the value of your real estate investment," he said.

Incentives to Go Green

To assist you in taking on a green project at your home, there will be the first annual Homeowner Project awards. 

Applications are available on the Watershed website as well as at the Earth Day event. 

According to a news announcement, the winners will be chosen in the summer and will be awarded gift cards and cash to be used toward a project of their choice. Local experts from the Watershed Stewards Academy will be available to oversee the winning projects.

Here's what to expect: 

• “Shred It” truck will be available to shred your personal docs (post tax season!)—donation requested to support the Community Center
• Rain barrels and composters for sale
• Rain garden demonstrations
• Free recycle bins and BGE energy saving packages
• Build and launch your own rocket
• Exotic reptiles and marine animals to pet
• Adoptable animals to take home
• Face-painting and dog treats
• BBQ and snow cones

The public is invited to come for all or part of it. Instructors will be speaking throughout the event.