Celebrate Earth Day in Western Connecticut

Earth Day was started by Senator Nelson of Wisconsin in 1970  in order to get the conversation going about how important it is to keep our planet healthy and clean. Since that time millions of people have celebrated Earth Day promising to help the environment and to make positive changes in the way they live and in their communities.  There are many Earth Day events taking place in Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County and here is a round-up of the top six.

One way to start the day is at Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury on 5 Church Hill Road that is offering a special Earth Day hike beginning at 9:30 a.m.Hikers should plan to meet Naturalist Edward Boisits, Ph.D. in the parking lot of the Sugar House. Boisits will lead hikers through the beautiful and historic Van Vleck Sanctuary, on an informative walk in search of the signs of spring. This walk is suitable for all ages and hiking levels. This event is free but registration is appreciated.

In  Washington at the Institute for American Indian Studies Museum and Research Center there will be an Earth Day open house from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Guests will enjoy free admission to the museum and engaging tours that will highlight the fascinating stories of artifacts on display such as Sitting Bull's jacket and the Albert Afraid of Hawk star quilt. Celebrate Connecticut's early history when exploring the museum's core exhibition, Quinnetukut: Our Homeland, Our Story. And, don't miss the wooded trails behind the museum to the Native American Village in the woods.

After the camaraderie of a morning hike, you might want to head to Woodbury’s 22^nd annual EarthDay Celebration at Hollow Park located on Hollow Rd. just off Rte. 6.  There will be demonstrations, local craftsmen, unique vendors, activities, live music, exhibits and more to help you celebrate our great planet.  This event takes place from 11 am to  4 pm.

In Fairfield County, the  Fairfield Earth Day Celebration takes place on April 30 this year at the Fairfield Theatre Company located on 70 Sanford St. from 10 am - 4 pm.  There will be hundreds of exhibitors, a variety of live music, crafts, games, science experiments and much  more. Event goers will learn how to improve their health and the health of the environment.

The Bartlett Arboretum, located on 151 Brookdale Rd. in Stamford is hosting Gardens Arbor Earth Day on April 22 from 10 am to 3 pm.  Guests will celebrate the day with music, lectures on plants,  live demonstrations and trail tours where you will admire Champion trees, wildflower meadows and charming gardens. Kids will love the face painting, storytelling and riding in a Bartlett cherry picker. Adults can learn how to prune, plant a tree and identify native plants set amid this unspoiled historic landscape that is a natural preserve like no other in Fairfield County. The rain date for this event is April 23.

Bridgeport's Discovery Museum is hosting an out of this world Earth Day Celebration on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids will enjoy Earth and nature themed hands on activities, make and takes and science and sphere demonstrations. A highlight of this event is the planetarium show.