(Feb. 12, 2016) - Oklahoma City is honoring the planet with several eco-friendly events this spring in celebration of Earth Day on April 22. Everyone is invited to participate in Earth-conscious activities for residents of all ages and interests.
Sign for LitterBlitz by March 31
Help fight litter in Oklahoma City by registering for the 16th annual LitterBlitz campaign. Teams are needed to clean one site once during the month of April and help rid OKC of trash. Trash bags and gloves are provided. Form a team and register online at www.okcbeautiful.com/programs/litterblitz or call (405) 525-8822 by Thursday, March 31. The City and OKC Beautiful co-sponsor this citywide cleanup event.
Try Spokies for free – all month
Get pedaling and celebrate Earth Day by trying out Spokies, OKC’s bike sharing program, for free all month long in April. New users can register at www.spokiesokc.com and use the promo code “Earthday2016” to enjoy a free membership through April 30. A valid credit card is required. Usage fees apply for trips longer than 30 minutes.
Recycle your tires, ammo, computers and pharmaceuticals – April 2
A special household hazardous waste collection will be held for ammunition, tires, computers and pharmaceuticals 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 2 inside Gate 5 on the south side of State Fair Park, east of the arena. You must prove your OKC residency by bringing your most recent City of Oklahoma City utility bill. Syringes, liquids, inhalers, tire rims, wheels and televisions will not be accepted.
Community Tree Planting – April 8
Help beautify the Will Rogers Gardens while learning how to plant and care for trees during our Community Tree Planting in celebration of National Arbor Month. We’ll show you tips and techniques for tree planting success, then teach you how to properly prune and water a new backyard tree. Groups welcome. The tree planting begins at 11 a.m. April 8 at the Will Rogers Gardens, 3400 NW 36th St., and is free to the public.
Build your own planet – April 16
Learn about the Earth from the inside-out while building your own model planet during Earth Model at Martin Park Nature Center at 2 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. April 16. We’ll construct our planet layer by layer, from the core to the crust and learn how each layer was formed. We’ll then talk about different eco-regions and how they are influenced by the earth’s topography. For explorers age 6 and up. Cost: $8 per person. Register at www.okc.gov/active or call (405) 297-1429 for details.
Free EMBARK bus rides – April 22
Celebrate Earth Day by leaving the driving to EMBARK on April 22, when bus service will be free all day. Visit www.embarkok.com or call (405) 235-7433 for details or to plan your trip.
Fish Hatchery Open House – April 22
Learn about the City’s fisheries management program during the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 22. Fisheries staff will answer questions about rearing, stocking and sampling fish at the hatchery, along with habitat work on City lakes, in-park ponds and the Oklahoma River. Visitors can also visit the City’s hatchery ponds, see equipment used in fishery work and learn about Close to Home and fishing education programs. Call (405) 297-1426 for details about the free program.
Free shred day – April 23
Safely and securely destroy personal documents during Free Shred Day, sponsored by Waste Management Recycle America. Drop paper documents from 7 a.m. to noon April 23, at Recycle America, 5519 NW 4. You’ll receive a document of destruction. Residential customers only.
Earth Fest – April 30
Join Martin Park Nature Center, 5000 W Memorial Road, for the annual Earth Fest party for the planet. Kids and parents can partake in loads of eco-friendly activities while learning about nature and conservation. Earth Fest is 1 to 4 p.m. April 30. Free to the public. Call 297-1429 or visit www.okc.gov/parks for details.
• Follow the City of Oklahoma City on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and more.
• Follow the Parks & Recreation Department on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
• Follow OKC Trash and Recycling Services on Facebook.
• Follow EMBARK on Twitter and Facebook.
• Follow Spokies on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
• Watch City Channel 20 on Cox Cable or live anywhere on YouTube.
Media Contact: Kristy Yager
297-2550 / 863-2831
kristy.yager@okc.gov
