Earth Day, April 22 is a yearly reminder for us to celebrate this wonderful planet we have the privilege to inhabit from all the billions of planets in the universe, with our hospital sun and water that engender life. As a rural community, we in East Haddam are closer than some in our ability to appreciate this wonder of the bounty of our earth as we come out of winter into flowering spring.  We can celebrate in many ways and reciprocate by showing our gratitude to this life-giving planet. Below is the schedule of events honoring our environment and rural heritage:

Friday, April 17th

Arbor Day Live Music Coffee House from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Hosted by the East Haddam Land Trust and First Church of Christ, Congregational at the Church on Town Street. Featuring music by Steve Dedman, Peter Govert, and Steve Pozzato, along with food, poetry, and discussions about trees.

Saturday, April 18th

Town-Wide Clean-Up from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon - Meet at the Grange on Town Street. The Superhero Training Corps and Sustainability Team will provide grabbers and bags.

Volunteer Lunch from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm - Provided by the Moodus Sportsmen’s Club, 299 E. Haddam Colchester Turnpike.

Chick Day at Shagbark Hardware from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm -  A celebration of our right to farm, featuring local artisans, music, food, and community organizations.

What's the Rush?  Presented by the Sustainability Team from 7:00 pm to 9:00pm at the East Haddam Senior Center - The Sustainability Team will host a presentation of Doug Tallamy’s "Back Yard State Park" followed by a discussion.

Sunday, April 19th

Seed Starting for Pollinators from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm -:A family-oriented event at Ballek’s Garden Center.

Wednesday, April 22nd (Earth Day)

A day dedicated to personal reflection and gratitude for our planet.

Saturday, April 25th

Opossum Rehabilitation Presentation from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm - Hosted by the First Church of Christ, Congregational and co-sponsored by East Haddam Land Trust.

Sustainability Brainstorming from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm - Join the library sponsored discussion at the Yankee Cider Barn to discuss rain gardens, pollinator pathways, and local energy initiatives and other local sponsored initiatives.

Sunday, April 26th

Earth Week Stories & Photos from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm - The Sustainability Team will gather at the Yankee Cider Barn to view photos of the strangest items found during the clean-up.

 

Ongoing Throughout the Week

Library Displays - Earth Day books will be featured at town libraries. East Haddam Land Trust and the East Haddam Library System have collaborated on Words from the Earth Young Readers nature book list. Check the libraries for information on the books and the special book readings scheduled in April.

Clean-Up Efforts - Residents are encouraged to continue cleaning quieter local roads. Please bring trash to the transfer station and separate recyclables. Note: Redeemable cans/bottles should be placed in the scouts' container to fund their activities. Please take safety precautions. Do not venture on main or high trafficked roads. Take a photograph of the strangest thing you find! We will be handing out a prize on April 26^th at the Cider Barn.

Yankee Cider Barn Fundraiser - Throughout the weekend of April 25th–26th, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the East Haddam Land Trust. Meet the directors of East Haddam Land Trust throughout the day

We look forward to celebrating with you!