This Saturday is Arbor Day – a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. Today, many countries observe such a holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season.
The very first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. This day was created by American Senator, Gaylord Nelson, to make people aware of the importance of keeping our planet healthy and clean. On that day, people made promises to help the environment and make positive changes in their community.
In DeKalb County, several entities have scheduled events for this Saturday to celebrate Arbor Day / Earth Day:
In DeKalb County: All Volunteer Great Western Trails Cleanup April 30, 9:00 am – 5:00pm
The Sycamore Singles will clean the Great Western Trail and Illinois Prairie Path and welcome all to join them Saturday April 30th rain or shine. Volunteers are needed!
In observance of Earth Day 2016; the Friends of the Great Western Trails in cooperation with The Illinois Prairie Path not-for-profit corporation (IPPc) has scheduled its annual trail cleanup for Saturday, April 30, starting at 9am, rain or shine. The goal is to clean all the trails including both sections of the Great Western Trail (GWT) and all of the Illinois Prairie Path (IPP). Bring friends and family and pick up garbage on the trails (bring work gloves & garbage bags). If you, your family and/or co-workers are interested in helping us and help manage a section of the trails cleanup, please contact one of the cleanup coordinators listed below.
For more info. about the Great Western Trails go to their website: or contact Don Kirchenberg via email at frndsgrtwstntrl@aol.com or call 630-853-7650.
The trails are cleaned year around by volunteers. Your help in keeping the trails clean is appreciated. Please remove all drink containers and snack wrappers you take with you on the trails.
For the Illinois Prairie Path cleanup info go to their website.
In Sycamore: Read a tree’s history by counting its rings while comparing it to your own family’s history. Like your family, discover how different parts of a tree play a part in making it strong. Then, work together to plant a tree in the park that you can come back and visit for years to come. Dress for the weather, this class is held outdoors. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Presented by the Midwest Museum of Natural History.
Sycamore’s Arbor Day event will go on this Saturday from 1-2pm at Sycamore Community Park, South Main Shelter, 940 E. State St. in Sycamore. Fee per household of 4: Resident $30/ Non-Resident $38. Additional person/individual fee: Resident $8/ Non-Resident $12. Advanced registration is required. Click here to visit Sycamore Park District’s website to register now.
In Genoa: Genoa Park Volunteer Day ~ April 30th , 2016: Come help clean up the Genoa parks from 8:30-11:30am Saturday. Individual, family and group volunteers are welcomed – your Park District is asking for your time and talents. Painting, planting, weeding, spreading mulch, pulling weeds, trimming shrubs and much more. Please bring a pair of gloves. If you have a lawn or garden rake it would be helpful if you could bring it. To volunteer please contact Doug Kenney 815-784-5612 ext. 12 or dougk@genoaparks.com so they can plan in advance, however, they will take any and all volunteers. Meet at Chamberlain Park, 400 East Second Street.
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