The Ecology Center & Earth Day Celebrate 20th Birthdays
The Ecology Center & Earth Day Celebrate 20th Birthdays
One of the most significant outgrowths of the first Earth Day in 1970 was the founding of ecology centers across the country. Now, 20 years later, the Ecology Center of Ann Arbor is one of only four remaining ecology centers, Its mission is to effectively channel community resources into meaningful involvement on environmental issues.
To mark Earth Day 1990, the Ecology Center organized the Washtenaw Earth Day Coalition to sponsor and coordinate community-wide Earth Day events during the month of April. One of three Coalition events, "Groundswell '90-a Teach-In on the Environment" will take place on Sat., April 7 at Huron High School in Ann Arbor with concurrent programs for adults and children. Children and family activities include paper making, nature walks, the Rafa-Rafa game, a workshop on nutrition and more. Adult workshops and plenaries such as "Beginning at Home," "Global Issues and Political Perspectives," and "Organizing in your Community" will focus on solutions to environmental problems. The Teach-In begins at 9 am (registration at 8:30 am, $2-$5 donation requested) and lasts the day, to be followed in the evening by the Regional "Town Meeting."
To celebrate the 20th anniversaries of Earth Day and the Ecology Center, the Center will also hold two special events.
On Saturday, April 21 at 7 pm, a Benefit Dinner at the Women's City Club in Ann Arbor will feature a talk by Prof. Herb Wagner and will honor Dean James Crowfoot, Ann Hunt and Sen. Lana Pollack for their outstanding work in support of the environment and the Center.
On Sunday, April 22 at 7 pm, all are invited to the Earth Day Birthday Party and Bake-Off at the First Baptist Church, 512 E. Huron in Ann Arbor for birthday cakes, ice cream, reminiscing and games! Bring a cake, family and friends and come ready for a fun time as we recommit ourselves to the next 20 years of environmental activism.
As every day is Earth Day at your local ecology center, stop by the Center and pick up some reminders of our planetary obligation to live wisely: buttons, stickers, t-shirts, Earth Flags, recycled paper, Earth Day note cards, recycled paper gift wrap, lawn and tree care guides and gift memberships to the Ecology Center.
In addition to the many Earth Day activities, the Ecology Centers 19th annual Bike-A-Thon will be held on Sunday, May 6. This exciting event is the Center's most important fundraiser. It involves 700 riders, 100 volunteers, and thousands of pledge sponsors. Fourteen, 28-, 58-, and 100-mile routes are offered, as well as food, music, and lots of prizes. The theme of this year's event is "think globally, bike locally," which affirms our belief that we must all deal with global problems at the local level. The Ecology Center is your local environmental advocate, translating interest into action in the Ann Aror area. Join us on May 6 - as a rider, sponsor, or volunteer - and help make a difference in our local environment
The Ecology Center of Ann Arbor, 417 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor, Ml 48104; 761-3186.