Earth Day activities

Community cleanups are planned for all over the world Tuesday, as residents celebrate Earth Day by showing their support for environmental protection.

The annual event challenges people to promote solutions for a healthier environment and participants typically engage in a day of spring-cleaning around their home, business or favourite green space.

If you'd like to get involved, the Regional Waste Reduction Office wants to remind everyone that they have all the gear and supplies you’ll need. Staff will even arrange to pick up the litter filled bags after you’re done.

“Many groups have done clean ups on or close to Earth Day over the years. But whether it’s for Earth Day, or any time in April, it’s always inspiring to see so many people committed to making a difference,” says Waste Reduction Facilitator Rae Stewart.

“The impact we can make in a short amount of time when we pull together with a little elbow grease and determination is really encouraging.”

Some groups dedicate their time each and every year, like the North Westside Community Association, whose members have cleaned up a 30-kilometer stretch of Westside Road for over 15 consecutive years.

Other groups that have already participated in clean ups this spring include over 200 students at Kelowna Senior Secondary, Best Western Hotel Kelowna, the Lakes Community Association in Oyama, Tallus Ridge residents, the Oyama Community Club, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Willowstone Academy Preschool, Pelmewash Parkway residents group, and countless individual families.

If you would like to do a cleanup in your area, the Regional Waste Reduction Office will provide bags, gloves and pick up of litter filled bags after you’re done. You can also call their office for more information (250-469-6250).

The Downtown Kelowna Association has also teamed up with Sun Valley Cleaners for a day of spring-cleaning on Tuesday.

Sun Valley will be volunteering their time and their pressure washing trucks, while DKA staff will be armed with brooms, hoses and brushes to assist in the effort. They’re encouraging all shop keepers and businesses to help with the cleanup. More information can be found by emailing [email protected].

The cleanup begins at 9 a.m.

Residents in Summerland and the surrounding area are also encouraged to take part in a local Earth Day Event on April 27.

Members of the Summerland Environmental Science Group, the District of Summerland and SADI (Summerland Asset Development Initiative) are targeting the Dale Meadows Sports Complex for Summerland's eighth annual Earth Day Event. These groups are working to enhance the natural habitats that border the sports fields and connect to Prairie Creek.

“This is the sixth year these groups have partnered to focus on the Dale Meadows area, and it’s become a legacy project for Summerland,” says event coordinator, Lisa Scott.

“It’s exciting to see the results of the previous years. Some of the willow, alder and dogwood planted back in 2009 are huge.”

The are planning a general cleanup that will include the removal of invasive plants. These will be replaced by native trees and shrubs that would naturally be found in the area.

There will be several booths with information on endangered species and habitats, invasive plants, landscaping with native plants and more. Children will be entertained with several interactive activities and face painting.

Community volunteers are being asked to join in and assist with the planting and removal of invasive plants. Volunteers are asked to bring their own shovels and rakes. Free gardening gloves will be provided to the first 30 volunteers.

“One of the key objectives of Summerland’s Earth Day celebration is to raise awareness and inspire environmental action. We always promote this as a family event in the hopes that people of all ages will participate and realize that they can make a difference,” says Scott.

Activities will begin at 10 a.m. and continue for approximately three hours.

People are welcome to drop by anytime during that period and anyone participating will be able to enter a draw for some eco-friendly products compliments of local retailers, and also enjoy a pizza lunch at the close of the event.

For further information about this event contact Lisa Scott at 250-404-0115 or email [email protected].

This is one of many events taking place in Summerland during Earth Week, April 22 – 27.