Arbor Day event encourages students to participate
April is the month harboring the one day of the year dedicated solely to mother earth, Earth Day.
Although April 22 is the actual date, events will be taking place throughout the month and OCCC will be celebrating in a big way, not just for Earth Day, but Arbor Day as well said Lisa Teel, Director of Emergency Planning and Risk Management.
OCCC will be celebrating from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Arbor/Earth Day, April 26, in the Main Dining Area, Teel said.
She said some of the events are sponsored by groups such as the Sierra Club, Shawnee Sustainability, OG&E, OSU at OKC and hopefully some of the student clubs. Teel said the sponsors will have booths providing information on sustainability, land erosion, and saving energy on electric bills.
During the Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration students will have an opportunity to play a role in helping the environment, Teel said.
Local Earth Day events and celebrations
EarthFest at Martin Park Nature Center
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 21, the Martin Park Nature Center in Oklahoma City will celebrate with EarthFest, a series of Earth-friendly educational seminars about composting, home energy audits, storm water recycling and more. The event includes family-oriented games, crafts and other nature-based activities.
Lake Overholser and Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge Cleanup
Help rid Lake Overholser and the adjoining refuge of trash and restore these areas to their natural beauty. Trash pick-up is from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 21, and includes free lunch and prizes to those volunteering. The cleanup crew will meet at the Overholser pavilion. For more information, email karen.miles@deq.ok.gov or call 702-8192 to register.
Hazardous Waste Collection
There will be a special hazardous waste collection from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 28, at State Fair Park. Open to Oklahoma City residents only, the collection gives an opportunity to dispose of items such as ammunition, tires and computer equipment. Bring a current water bill stub to prove residency.
Party for the Planet at the Zoo
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 22, the Oklahoma City Zoo will feature live music, giveaways, family activities and much more in observance of Earth Day. Events are included with all regular priced zoo admission.
Free Metro Transit
Oklahoma City’s Metro Transit system will offer free bus and trolley rides throughout the day from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 20. Metro Transit Bus service in Oklahoma City, Tinker AFB, Norman and Edmond is also included.
Free Shred Day
From 7 to 11 a.m., April 28, 7-11 a.m., Waste Management Recycle America and the Utilities Department are offering free shredding and recycling at 5519 NW 4th in Oklahoma City, in observance of Free Shred Day. Bring financial and personal documents for proper disposal.
Free Starbucks Coffee or Tea
Starbucks will be giving away free coffee and tea all day on Earth Day, April 22, when you bring in any travel mug or tumbler. Visit your local Starbucks coffee shop for more details.
“The Green Task Force will be giving away saplings that were provided by the Oklahoma Forestry Service,” she said.
Along with tree sapling and loads of environmentally friendly information, Teel said there will also be many prizes to give away.
The Green Task Force is encouraging OCCC faculty, staff and students to dispose of household hazardous waste at any disposal facility one week before the event.
Oklahoma City Stormwater Quality division operates the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at 1621 S. Portland, Teel
“Keep the receipt,” Teel said.
“It can be used to enter a drawing for a gift donated by the Sierra Club.”
The Sierra Club is an international group that works to raise awareness about environmental issues, Teel said.
Teel also urges students to celebrate Earth Day in their own way by planting trees, recycling, reducing and reusing.
OCCC isn’t the only one participating in this celebration, the Oklahoma City metro area has a number of events and activities in celebration of Earth Day 2012.
To contact Morgan Beard, email pioneermedia@occc.edu.
To contact Emily Schorr, email staffwriter1@occc.edu.