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All Around Earth Day
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: 2021/03 – March
A lower-key, more personal celebration is on tap for this year’s Earth Day, set for April 22.
Last April marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, celebrated this year on Thursday, April 22. While the global pandemic overshadowed an opportunity to focus globally on the reasons for an Earth Day – as well as altered activities and events surrounding it – local organizations and individuals are working to make sure Earth Day 2021 does not get buried due to an ongoing pandemic.
As of the Laurel’s March issue publication date, much surrounding Earth Day, with its 2021 theme of “Restore Our Earth,” was yet to be set in stone.
However, many local organizations, including the libraries, The Village Green in Cashiers, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, Highlands Biological Foundation, and more will offer speakers, education, and activities on some scale in order to draw attention to ways the environment can be protected.
“Last year, we shared many resources for folks online about what other organizations were doing for Earth Day, and we will more than likely do that again this year, especially since so many will still be virtual,” said Winter Gary, communications and events coordinator, Highlands Biological Foundation.
In general, Gary said celebrating and recognizing Earth Day is not just about one day but about remembering daily to “get outside when the weather is suitable.”
She suggested on Earth Day and any day, “a stroll through the Botanical Gardens here at the Highlands Biological Station. It’s such a gorgeous area!”
Some Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust properties at which to stroll and appreciate nature include: Sunset Rock, Brushy Face, and Satulah Mountain. Plus, there is Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Whiteside Mountain, and more, pointed out Gary.
Finally, she said to look for opportunities for involvement in Earth Day community clean-up efforts; sign up for the Earth Challenge App, which “allows people to contribute to citizen science projects that help researchers;” and commit to recycling.
Multiple recycling centers exist throughout Macon and Jackson counties to take such items as empty aluminum, steel, and aerosol cans, plastic containers, and mixed paper.
The April edition of Laurel magazine will provide more details regarding this year’s Earth Day efforts.
