Make as many jokes as you like, but thanks to one Al Gore head-turning moment, Earth Day’s suddenly become important again. So what will you be doing about it? Here are a few suggestions on how to jump-start your social consciousness.
In LoDo Ground Zero, the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado and the Environmental Protection Agency are kicking up some post-construction dust around their new, green Wynkoop Street digs by hosting a variety of free events under the banner of the LoDo Earth Action Fest, with additional participation by such neighbors as the Tattered Cover LoDo and Wynkoop Brewing Company. That would include the EPA Earth Day Fair on April 23, which includes guided Green Building Tours at both the ACS and EPA buildings, 1536 and 1595 Wynkoop Street, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well booths and displays open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the EPA. And they’ll be wrapping up the ongoing earth festivities with a LEAF Finale Block Party, an outdoor affair offering information booths, food and drink, and live music by the Reals in the ASC parking lot from 4 to 7 p.m. April 27. Raise your voice and join in the fun: For info and a LEAF schedule, log on to www.allianceforcolorado.org.
Folks in the outer city, aka Stapleton, have celebratory options, too: The Shops at Northfield Stapleton will host Project Go Green, a full weekend of combined Earth Day/Arbor Day activities and displays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 21, and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 22. Some of the highlights: Santa Claus, a big advocate of green transportation, will take some time off from his off-season luau in Hawaii to attend, no doubt to view the display of hybrid cars and take part in the community box exchange. There’ll also be recycling and shredding ops for all, live animals and other kid-friendly activities, readings, booths and the whole shebang. Shuttle service is available to and from Northfield, 8340 E. 49th Avenue off I-70 and Quebec, at the RTD Transfer Station at Stapleton; for a complete schedule of events, go to www.northfieldstapleton.com.
Boulderites can go wild at the combined Wild Earth Saturday and Boulder Dirt Days, which features both an environmental fair and the multi-sport Dirt Days Adventure Challenge for all ages and abilities. Wander among interactive displays touting biodiesel and solar power, marvel at live eagles and dance to live music, or put your physical talents to the test in a competition that includes climbing, pack running, fly casting and a balance challenge; it all takes place today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesa Lab, 1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder. Adventure Challenge registration is available online at www.boulderadventurefilm.com; all ages and species are invited. Or for a true, grassrootsy Boulder experience, check out the Boulder Co-op Market’s Earth Day Celebration 2007, with instructional speakers, hands-on demos, information tables, films, music, kids' activities and more, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, April 22 and 23. The co-op is at 1906 Pearl Street, Boulder; call 303-447-2667 or visit www.bouldercoop.com.
Those who prefer to celebrate the earth with a tramp through the great outdoors can drop by Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton, for Earth Day on the Prairie, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 22. A fresh-air family affair, the event includes a volunteer cleanup activity, with rewards including guided Prairie Dog Town tours and Prairie Walks through the tranquil grasslands surrounding the lake, along with crafts for kids. Call 303-659-6005 or go to Barr Lake at www.parks.state.co.us.
And if you’re the after-dark kind of creature, an Earth Night Star Viewing might just be the right fit: This month’s Chamberlin Observatory open house hosted by the Denver Astronomical Society will not only include information on environmental and light pollution, but will also serve as one of the club’s annual Astronomy Day celebrations (Astronomy Day itself is going through a season-change to the fall, with an April option). Join the DAS for an evening of telescope viewing from 7 to 10 p.m. April 21, at 2930 E. Warren Avenue, Visit www.denverastrosociety.org for details.
That’s a smattering. Like I said, the earth is really (really!) popular this year. Check our online Community Events listings for even more alternatives. -- Susan Froyd
