Earth Day in North Reading

Earth Day is on Monday April 22 this year but in North Reading we're celebrating it all week!  There are a variety of activities for all ages and activity levels that will help get you into the environmental mood of the holiday. 

First up is the Parks and Recreation free Earth Day Celebration for children at Ipswich River Park on Wednesday April 17 from 10am to 2pm.

Then on Saturday April 20^th the newly formed North Reading Trails Committee will be sponsoring two hikes.  Both hikes start at 9:00 AM.  One group will leave from the cul-de-sac on Burnham Drive (off Tower Hill Road) to explore Eisenhauer’s Pond Park.  Another group will meet up on Pleasant Street @ Elm Street and hike across the Ipswich River to Riverwood, the site formerly known as the Smith Property.

On Sunday April 21 the Aldersgate United Methodist Church will offer a environmentally themed sermon at their 10:30AM service.  At the Union Congregational Church’s 10AM service, the children’s Sunday School lesson will offer an environmental themed lesson and crafts.

On Earth Day itself, Monday April 22, there will be a kids recycling craft at Flint Memorial Library from 4:00 to 5:00 PM in the activity room downstairs.

On Tuesday April 23 from 7:00 to 8:30pm, there will be a talk on "Greenscapes" at Memorial Hall Library (2 North Main St., Andover) sponsored by the Ipswich River Watershed Association.  Greenscapes are environmentally friendly yard and lawn care practices that require very little water and chemicals to maintain.

Friday April 26 is Arbor Day and the North Reading Garden Club will be hosting a celebration at 6:00 PM at the Ipswich River Park gazebo. They will be planting a tree with the help of local children and will be reading poems and a history of Arbor Day. Scouts (boys and girls) who attend will receive a free tree seedling, supplies limited.

Two happenings are occuring on Saturday, April 27^th.  The annual North Reading Town-wide Yard Sale gives you a chance to reuse and recycle along with dozens of other town residents. North Reading also has a “Free-Cycle” web group for trading used items.  Visit http://groups.freecycle.org/NorthReadingMA/posts/all  to see what is up for grabs.

The Martin’s Pond Association will be hosting a canoe trip to explore the hidden wonders of the the Ipswich River between Ipswich River Park and the Rt. 62 Plaza (Christopher’s Market). Bring your canoe or kayak to Ipswich River Park at 10AM.  The paddle should last about an hour, and it will be a short shuttle back to your car.

Get involved this year with any or all of these Earth Day activities.