Anti-Litter Council announces Earth Day activities for April 17 and 22

“If you can plant a tree this Earth Day, please do!” Earth Day graphic courtesy clkr.com

The 51^st anniversary of the first Earth Day in 1970 is happening this month, and the Front Royal/Warren County Anti-Litter Council and other environmental groups are springing into action with not one, but two events centered on improving the environment in the community. First, pre-Earth Day on Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m. to noon, the council is participating in a drive-through community Earth Day event at Skyline High School. That event is sponsored by the Beautiful Earth Steward Team (BEST), a student group from the Environmental Studies class at Skyline High.

Some 21 groups and businesses will be showcasing their products and information, there will be live music, and even ice cream!  Also, bring your plastic films – store, produce, and Ice bags, bubble wrap, bread bags, re-closable bags, newspaper sleeves and dry cleaning bags – for recycling into Trex’s earth-friendly composite decking and railing. For more information about the Trex recycling program, go to trex.com/recycling

Kara Lewallen, a Biology Teacher at Skyline, who oversees the Environmental Studies programs, says, “The Anti-Litter Council is a great partner for the students in our programs!”

Then on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, from 4-6 p.m. the Anti-Litter Council is sponsoring a roadside cleanup of the area of Burrell Brooks Park and East Criser Road from South Royal Avenue to Route 340, and is seeking volunteers to help in the cleanup. It is a fun event that brings all ages together to improve the community. Volunteers will meet at Burrell Brooks Park, 450 E. Criser Road. The Anti-Litter Council is hoping for a generous community “Friends and Neighbors” turnout to help beautify our roadsides. Roadside cleanups have been a part of Earth Day celebrations since 1970, the very first year. A rain date of Friday, April 23, has been established in case of inclement weather.

The mission of the Front Royal/Warren County Anti-Litter Council is to educate, motivate and participate in the prevention of litter and assist the citizens of Front Royal and Warren County to become better stewards of our environment.

“If you can plant a tree this Earth Day, please do!”