Earth Day is April 22, and there are things you can do locally to help the planet and your neighborhood.
Carnegie
SEED LIBRARY: The third annual Earth Day celebration will begin at 11 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. at Library Park.
Expect presentations from the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Worm Return composting worms, rock painting with Attawheed Islamic Center, ham radio demos with the W3KWH Steel City Amateur Radio Club, crafts and face painting with Carnegie Borough, outdoor games designed by Carlynton students, and new hopscotch course.
The event will also feature a “seed library” in which people will receive seeds and are then encouraged to grow plants, then save new seeds to return to the library next year. Food vendors will attend. And at 2:15, there is a free outdoor concert from Miss Freddye’s Home Cookin’ Band. Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Email evansw2@einetwork.net to register.
Coraopolis
PARK CLEANUP: A community cleanup will begin at Riverfront Park on First Avenue, Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. Gloves, bags, vests and bottled water will be provided, with celebratory pizza being served at Riverfront Park at noon.
To register, email coraopolishshadetree@gmail.com.
Crafton
COMMUNITY FARM: The Crafton Community Farm is accepting volunteers who will have the opportunity to learn about gardening from professionals and one another.
Established in 2015 upon the suggestion of Crafton resident Andrea Marquis, this is the Crafton Community Farm’s eighth year in operation. Allegheny Grows branch of Grow Pittsburgh supports the garden with a grant in cooperation with the Crafton Borough.
“The amount of produce harvested has ranged from 1,100 to 1,400 pounds each growing season,” via the website. Crops have included cucumbers, beets, peas, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, ground cherries, strawberries, kale, beans, nasturtium and other edible flowers, lettuce, carrots, Brussels sprouts, swiss chard, eggplant, okra, asparagus, squash, garlic, onions, pumpkins and a variety of herbs.
Recently, they’ve begun harvesting fruit from berry bushes and a fruit tree orchard.
For info or to get involved, CraftonCommunityFarm@gmail.com.
McKees Rocks
LITTER SLOGAN: The McKees Rocks Women’s Alliance is holding a litter slogan and poster contest. Come up with a memorable slogan and a colorful drawing to go with it, staple the entry form to your entry and submit it online to mrwomensalliance@gmail.com. The entry can also be turned into the McKees Rocks Borough office on the second floor, 340 Bell Ave. Kids must live in the Sto-Rox community to participate. Winners will be selected from three age groups, 6-9, 10-13 and 14-18. First place is $50 and a chance to appear in a mural in McKees Rocks and second place is $25. All entries will receive a certificate of merit. Deadline for entries is April 22.
Moon
WILDLIFE HABITAT: There will be a free event at Moon Park, Sunday, April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. The theme of this year’s event is “Woods for Wildlife” to kick off a new township-wide Community Wildlife Habitat certification process with the National Wildlife Federation. There will also be an Earth Day design contest for grades K-4.
Neville Island
LITTER CLEANUP: Neville Green and Neville Township will be hosting a “Litter Clean-Up” on April 22, from 9 a.m. to noon in celebration of Earth Day. Safety vests, gloves, hand grippers and bags will be provided. Masks and hand sanitizer will also be available. Refreshments and door prizes available for all volunteers.
Robinson
CLEANUP DAY: The parks department is organizing a cleanup day on April 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet at the Clever Park Rotary Shelter at 9. The Robinson Township Police and Public Works Departments are participating in the event to ensure safety. The township will supply gloves, vests, and trash bags. Groups of six or more will have a sign made recognizing their participation and placed in the location where they worked. If interested, please contact Jane Tallon at jtallon@townshipofrobinson.com.