Spaceship Earth
Our planet is home to billions of humans, animals, plants, and more, and on Earth Day, people across the globe celebrate our natural home. Earth Day is about respecting and appreciating our planet and all its inhabitants. This observance, which dates back to 1970, is traditionally on April 22, but for many years our parks have observed Earth Day with a variety of programs, sometimes offered in advance, sometimes afterward.
This year, on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners approved that all regional parks that charge a gate entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone today (excludes parking fee at Hollywood North Beach Park and the A1A pocket parks in Hollywood). We encourage you visit a new park or return to one of your favorite spots. The entrance fee waiver does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as cooling off in a water park, camping, boat or shelter rentals, or special events. Our nature centers, natural areas, and neighborhood parks do not have entrance fees at all.
There are many activities going on this month, and here are a few offered on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. take an Earth Day Mangrove Adventure hike at the Anne Kolb Nature Center with a naturalist down the Lake Observation Trail to observe and discuss nature.
From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. celebrate at Fern Forest Nature Center with naturalist-led nature walks, native seed planting (make your own recycled paper pot and plant a seed to take home), and listen to a talk about carnivorous plants by Trent Meeks of Sunbelle Exotics Inc. The event is free but donations to nonprofit Fern Allies is appreciated. The event is for all ages. For details call 954-357-5198.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Markham Park & Target Range, will host an Earth Day Park Cleanup. All ages, ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult, are invited to volunteer to clean up the environment. Some volunteers can earn service hours for school by participating in the cleanup event. Register at HandsOnBroward.org at least a day before the event. Remember, the park's regular weekend gate fee will be waived!
Other events will be offering throughout the month of April. Please check the Event Search and watch for the image above.
