County's Earth Day Celebration Set for April 16

Earth Day 2011 is officially Friday, April 22 – but the biggest celebration in the West Essex area will take place the weekend before at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland.

On Saturday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the county will once again host a full day of exhibitions and activities for nature enthusiasts. Activities are designed for both individuals and families.

This year’s plans include canoe rides on the Passaic River, a genuine fossil dig, New Jersey Audubon guided bird walks and a live animal show presented by the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. There will also be a dinosaur exhibit, eco-vendors and food, live music, nature crafts and other outdoor activities.

This “Happy B-Earth Day Celebration” is free and open to the public.

“Earth Day gives us a special time to appreciate our world and reminds us of the importance of keeping our air and water clean. I invite you to join us for a great day of crafts, learning, canoeing and fun. Working together we can help keep Essex County green,” stated Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo in a press release about the event.

The Essex County Environmental Center is part of the Essex County Parks System. It is situated in the western section of Essex County at West Essex Park. The 1,360 acres of mostly undeveloped wetlands extend along six miles of the Passaic River, from Bloomfield Avenue in Fairfield to South Orange Avenue in Livingston.

The center is located at 621B Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland. For more information, call 973-228-8776.