Earth Day Celebration -- April 26

On Saturday, April 26th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will once again co-sponsor the county-wide Earth Day Celebration with the McHenry County Conservation District from11 am–4 pm at MCCD’s Prairieview Education Center , 2112 Behan Road , Crystal Lake. .The event is held both indoors and out and will go on rain or shine!

A regular service by the Defenders at this annual event is the opportunity for people to bring in hard-to-recycle items. With the help of their partner, Chicago Logistic Services, the Defenders will accept electronics & small appliances (microwaves MUST be clean, no smoke detectors, no medical devices, no console TVs) clean Styrofoam™, packing peanuts, re-useable bubble wrap, Christmas lights, fluorescent tubes, athletic shoes, VHS tapes, CDs, cassettes, and household batteries will also be collected.  A donation is requested to offset the costs of recycling these items.

There will be a lot going on in addition to recycling:

11 a.m. — Drum Circle
11:30 a.m. — Off Square Music featuring local musicians.
1 p.m. — Bill Kehl's Earth, Music…Magic! family concert
2 p.m. & 3 p.m. — Off Square Music featuring local musicians

11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Guided Nature Hikes

12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Puppet Show

Throughout the day: Recycling Drop-Off • Games & Crafts • Over 20 Environmentally Themed Exhibitors • Food & Beverage Vendors – Duke’s Ale House and Pop’s Premier Kettle Corn, or bring your own “No waste” picnic lunch.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 44-year-old not-for-profit citizen organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. Recycling activities began almost from the organization's inception, because it was one of the best ways to handle the growing solid waste problem.  It also served as a source of funds for the group’s educational activities. For more information on the Defenders, visit www.mcdef.org