Earth Day at the Arboretum By Francie Hill Arboretum Director What do dancers and daffodils, worms and water, study skins (black bear to skunk - with river otter and raccoon in between) and snacks, crafts and compost and EARTH DAY posters have in common? They will all be part of Earth Day 2008 to be celebrated at 5 pm on April 22, which is the exact date of Earth Day! The event will be at the Arboretum, 340 S. 14th Street and isfree! Have you ever wondered how many daffodils are at the Arboretum (hint: it is over 10,000!) Did you ever want to touch a black bear? How about watching as worms turn vegetable scraps into compost? What about taking part in an authentic Indian dance which exhibits the grace and serenity of the earth? Why not get outside in the fresh April air on Earth Day. Clinton Trees Forever will be selling the very popular, hardy Canadian Hemlock Tsuga canadensis. These conifers will grow eighty feet tall. Earth Day visitors are invited to find Arboretum's example of this majestic evergreen in the northeast corner of the collections. Our actions are resulting in major changes to the planet, including the pollution of the waters, air and soil. We are already experiencing the beginning consequences of global warming. In 1962 concerned that the state of our environment was simply a non-issue in the politics of the country, Senator Gaylord Nelson started a campaign which resulted, April 22, 1970, in the first Earth Day. The purpose was to thrust the environment into the political mainstream and to create an awareness of the importance of preserving the air, the water and the soil that is essential to our existence. Earth Day is a day which should be celebrated by all. It is a day to look closely at everything in our environment - plants, trees, birds, etc. and realize how important it is for us to do what we can - conserve water, recycle, reduce, reuse and plant a tree - to preserve Mother Earth. See you at the Arb at 5 pm on April 22. Happy Earth Day! Posted April 1, 2008