Flower planting, a community festival, the kick-off to outdoor farmers market season, and a fish release.
There are plenty of ways to mark Earth Day in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge this year.
Library presentation
Join Statlu Environment Consulting for a virtual event with the Fraser Valley Regional Library on April 22 between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. During the one-hour presentation, called Geohazards For Kids, geoscientist Eryne Croquet and geomorphologist Ryan Kremsater are scheduled to teach kids about geohazards, weather, climate and climate change.
They’ll tie it all together with a discussion about last November’s atmospheric rivers. The presentation is geared towards students in Grades 4 to 7.
Planting day
Join the City of Maple Ridge for an Earth Day celebration at Beckett Park. On Friday, April 22 between 3:30 and 6 p.m., participants will be able to plant flowers and native plants as well as participate in nature-themed games, ride in a bucket truck to learn more about tree maintenance and learn more about animals with WildSafeBC. The first 250 people who show up will get a free flower bulb and pot.
The park is located at 11683 223 Street in Maple Ridge.
Ridge Meadows Recycling Earth Day
Maple Ridge festival season is kicking off in style with the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society’s in-person Earth Day celebration at Memorial Peace Park between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on April 23.
The theme of this year’s event is “Pathways to a better normal”. It’s meant to “encourage people to take small, simple steps toward the world they want to create,” states RM Recycling’s website. “We will explore pathways and invite people to journey with us into water & conservation, transportation, the outdoors and community. See what idea jumps out at you as something you can fit into your life. Do one thing, then do another.”
The park is expected to be jam-packed with plenty of groups and opportunities for Earth Day celebrations.
Family Freecycle
This event actually starts on Friday night, when donations of gently-used books, toys and clothing can be dropped off in front of the ACT Arts Centre between 5 and 7 p.m.
These donations are then sorted and will be put out on tables at the Leisure Centre and given away Saturday at the Earth Day event.
Haney Farmers Market
The Haney Farmers Market is back with a special Earth Day edition. Shop local vendors from farm stands to artisans and spirits to prepared foods. A full list of vendors can be found here.
This is the first day of the market for the 2022 season. You can find it every Saturday until October at Memorial Peace Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Repair Café
Is there something busted in your home? The experienced fixers at the Repair Café might be able to help. They have skills to help out or offer advice to fix clothing, electrical, carpentry, jewellery and bike repair needs.
There will also be a TINKERbell Station just for the kids. They can try out tools, take things apart and just tinker.
For the kids
The Maple Ridge Parks, Recreation and Culture department is hosting the Kids Active Play Zone. Here kids can make their way through an obstacle course.
Keep an eye out for Tinkerbelle and Anna as they roam around the park. Another performer will be Spandy Andy, who spreads joy through his dance moves and personality.
For the whole family
Members of the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Art Studio Tour are inviting you to get hands-on with different art activities. Play with clay, decorate the community canvas and more.
Community groups
Members of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association are slated to offer information about “why the future is electric.”
The local HUB Cycling group is set to do a free bike draw. They collect used bikes, fix them up and then give them away in a free draw.
Civic ceremonies
The welcoming ceremonies kick off at 10:30 a.m. at the ACT Stage. Winners of the Earth day Poetry and Photo Contests will be recognized. Dignitaries will also answer some theme-related questions on stage.
There will also be musical performances throughout the day at the ACT Stage and the Market Stage.
Bye fry: Fish Release
Check out Kanaka Creek Regional Park on Sunday, April 23 for the annual Goodbye Chums event. Learn about salmon, take a tour of the Bell-Irving Hatchery and help release fry so they can start their journey to the ocean. A shuttle will be available for the event, so you can park at Garibaldi Secondary School and catch the shuttle. This free event will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
