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.
April 11 – Recycle your tires, ammo, computers and pharmaceuticals
A special household hazardous waste collection will be held for ammunition, tires, computers and pharmaceuticals from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11 on the south side of State Fair Park, east of the arena. A water bill stub proving Oklahoma City residency is required. Televisions, tires with rims and off-road tires are not accepted.
April 11 – Butterfly gardens
Butterflies are more than just colorful additions to a backyard landscape. They’re an important part of the eco-system that carry pollen and provide food for other plants and animals in the environment. Residents can learn to attract butterflies to their own backyards with Martin Park Nature Center’s Butterfly garden discussion and workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 11. Park naturalists will share their best tips for creating a DIY butterfly garden at home during the first hour, and then residents can create their own butterfly container garden. The discussion is free, and the workshop costs $10 per person with all materials supplied. Register at okc.gov/active, or call 297-1429 for more information.
April 11 – Barrel planter workshop
Learn to create your own eco-friendly barrel planter during a hands-on workshop 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at Will Rogers Gardens, 3400 NW 36. Horticulturalists will give you tips to dig in and create a starter garden, which can supply a traditional garden’s worth of produce and makes a convenient space for compost. One lucky participant will win a barrel garden to take home. Cost is $12 per person. Visit www.okc.gov/parks or call 297-1392 for details.
April 11 – Lake Overholser and Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge Cleanup
Join the Friends of Lake Overholser and the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge in cleaning up trash and recyclables and for a free lunch and prize giveaway from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11 as part of OKC Beautiful’s Litter Blitz. Volunteers are needed 1 to 5 p.m. for cleanup and organization as well. Meet at the Overholser pavilion, E Overholser Drive south of NW 16. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, work gloves, insect repellant and sunscreen. Email FriendsOfLakeOverholser@cox.net or call 702-8192 to register.
April 17 – Fish Hatchery open house
Learn how the City’s fishery management program helps maintain fish populations by attending the free Earth Month open house at the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery, 10940 N Meridian Ave., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 17. Fish biologists will talk about fisheries management, demonstrate equipment and discuss fishing education and the City’s “Close to Home” fishing program. Visit www.okc.gov/parks or call 297-1426 for details.
April 18 – Free shred day
Safely and securely destroy personal documents during Free Shred Day, sponsored by Waste Management Recycle America. Drop paper documents from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at Recycle America, 5519 NW 4. You’ll receive a document of destruction. Residential customers only.
April 18 – Earth Fest 2015
It’s a party for the planet during Earth Fest, the annual eco-friendly celebration at Martin Park Nature Center, 5000 W Memorial Road. Join us from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18 for ecology education exhibits, alternative-fuel cars, kids’ activities, family games and other eco-friendly fun. Visit www.okc.gov/parks or call 297-1429 for details.
April 22 – Free bus rides
To support Earth Day, EMBARK is providing ways to reduce your gas bill and carbon footprint by offering free bus rides on Wednesday, April 22. To view bus schedules and routes, visitwww.gometro.org or call 235-RIDE (7433) from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for personal trip plans.
April 25 and monthly – Faerie Garden Workshops
Dig into the wonderful world of faerie gardening during the monthly Faerie Garden Workshops at Will Rogers Gardens, 3400 NW 36. Using a variety of containers and miniature plants and structures, you can create a sprite-sized garden for indoors or out. It’s a great project for kids and parents alike. Faerie Garden Workshops are from noon to 2 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month and cost $25 with all materials supplied. Register online at www.okc.gov/active or call 297-1392 for details.
Every Saturday – Nature Story Time
Children 2 to 6 years old can enjoy eco-reading fun at 10 a.m. each Saturday during Nature Story Time at Martin Park Nature Center, 5000 W Memorial Road. Nature Story Time teaches children about the natural world through the reading of a nature-themed book. Afterwards, children can take part in a craft or outdoor activity related to that day’s reading. Nature Story Time is free and no registration is required. Visit www.okc.gov/parks or call 297-1429 for a list of monthly titles.
Every day – See how beautiful xeriscaping can be
Before you buy landscape materials, take a stroll through OKC’s best design resource: the Water Conservation Demonstration Garden at OSU-OKC, 400 N Portland Ave., southeast of the Horticulture Center. See examples of beautiful drought-tolerant plants, perfect for Oklahoma soil. Garden signs identify flowers and grasses so you’ll know what to purchase. Open during daylight hours.
Please don’t flush meds
Flushing medicine down the drain or toilet can poison fish and wildlife in our rivers. Storing it poses risks like accidental poisoning or abuse, particularly among children and young adults. Please bring unwanted medication to Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control medicine disposal sites, which are operated around the clock at law enforcement facilities. Another option is to drop off medicine at the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at State Fair Park, NW 10 and N May Avenue.
Media Contact: Kristy Yager
297-2550 / 863-2831
Kristy.yager@okc.gov
