A young boy’s eyes grow big with wonder as he opens his hands to release a butterfly. There is nothing to compare with that kind of magic.
          In honor of Earth Day, several groups are promoting the importance of giving kids these kinds of opportunities. When children feel a passion for protecting the world’s creatures, they become aware of environmental issues.
          New Mexico joins the nation in celebrating the 36th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22), as well as Arbor Day (slated for March 10 this year in New Mexico—a date determined to be the best time for tree planting).
          Cliff Ross, co-founder of Earth’s Birthday Project, says his group sends out thousands of cartons of beneficial bugs for classroom and home study. He encourages children to raise ladybugs and butterflies, and to release them on Earth Day.
          “I started this project out of a deep appreciation for the natural world—something I developed while growing up here in New Mexico,” says Ross, from his Santa Fe office. “I want to empower children to become caring stewards of the earth.”
          He encourages families to sign up to participate in their Bottle Brigade. This project involves collecting 20-ounce plastic bottles (in good condition) and sending them in the Project’s postage-paid boxes to a special recycling company. For every box of bottles sent in, Earth’s Birthday Project receives money to help protect the threatened orangutan habitat in East Kalimantan, Borneo. Last year children nationwide participated in the Bottle Project raising thousands of dollars for rain forest protection.
          Conservation expert Barbara Garrett says the Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has just produced a comic book to teach children about riparian restoration. “Some plants, like the Salt Cedar and the Russian Olive, rob our state of water, which is critical to us in a desert environment.”
          The comic book tells kids the story of the conservation work being done along the bosque (areas near streams and rivers), digging up the water-hogging trees and replacing them with native trees and shrubs that are good for wildlife. To receive a copy of the comic book, parents can call a local Soil and Water Conservation District.
          Five-year-old Grace is one of many New Mexico children who gets excited about Earth Day. According to her mom, Sally Newcomb, Grace loves to participate in recycling, composting, re-circulating water and studying bird habitat. “The Cottonwood School in Corrales, where my daughter attends, has a class in permaculture ( meaning ‘permanent agriculture’) every week,” says Newcomb. “The idea is to make sure that all our actions contribute to making the Earth a better place.”
          The Cottonwood School will hold a one-day “Land Lab”, opening their doors to other children who are interested in having an outdoor educational experience, on April 21. “Kids who don’t have access to a lot of land can come and learn about bird sanctuaries, worm beds, companion planting and much more,” says Newcomb. For information call her at 792-8912.
          In Santa Fe, another group is promoting the idea of sending kids—who might normally be plugged into electronic devices—outside. TV Turnoff Week (April 24–30) promotes the idea that reassessing our indoor habits (of TV watching) will free up time for outdoor activities and awareness.

Celebrations Around New Mexico
Around the state, Earth Day celebrations are scheduled and will include education and fun. Here is a sampling of some things that will be happening:
          Judith Phillips, author of the best-selling New Mexico Gardener’s Guide, will guide a tour of the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, near Socorro, on April 15. She will talk about native grasses, wildflowers and plants. For more information call 864-4021.
          Many of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts have events planned to provide education and inspiration for children. These offices have educational materials on tree planting and other conservation efforts. Check your phone book for the nearest office.
          La Montanita Coop in Albuquerque is sponsoring its 17th annual Earth Day Celebration, as well as a Garden Party this year. The Garden Party is slated for March 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the store’s North Valley location, and will include farming and gardening information, food, music and fun. Then on April 23 at the Nob Hill Shopping Center, there will be dancing all day long, says Robin Seydel of La Montanita. “The children Flamenco dancers are a big hit. And there will be solar energy demonstrations and lots of activities.” For more information call Robin at 217-2027.
          In Santa Fe, EcoVersity is holding their second annual Earth Day Festival on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 7 pm. EcoVersity is located at 2639 Agua Fria Street near Frenchy’s Field. Admission is free. Fran Cole, operations manager at EcoVersity, says, “To our delight, last year’s event was attended by nearly 1,000 people. We featured 25 non-profit organizations and local green businesses with educational booths. Our 11-acre campus was bustling with people of all ages.” This Earth Day Festival includes live music, food, dancing, magicians, face painting, ceremonies and demonstrations. The event also will include interactive workshops and family-oriented activities, along with a children’s stage and drumming circle. For more information or to volunteer call EcoVersity at 424-9797.
          Several schools will be planting trees and sending home seedlings. Ask your kids about what activities are happening at their school.
          Many of the natural food stores across the state will be offering Earth Day fun. Samples of environmentally friendly products will be available. Vendors will be on hand to share information on recycling, composting, water conservation and more.
          Call 311 in Albuquerque to find out about city-sponsored events including trash pick-up along roadsides.
          “This is a time to ensure that our planet’s resources are protected and will continue to be available for future generations,” says Sally Newcomb.

Fun Facts
          Arbor Day has been celebrated in Nebraska since 1872. It was first envisioned by Julius Sterling Morton, a journalist-turned-politician. He believed it was important to set aside one day every year to educate people about the importance of trees and promote widespread tree planting. “Arbor” is the Latin word for “tree.”
          Earth Day was first envisioned by U. S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson. He felt conservation issues could be put on the political agenda by getting young people excited about the idea. In 1970, President Nixon set aside Earth Day and Arbor Day as national celebrations.
          Online for a game? Check out seussville.com/games/lorax/ to play a “Save the Trees” game.

More Information about Earth Day
          Ecoversity.org—This Santa Fe organization offers a wide range of ecology-related workshops—some are geared to youth and families. Classes are taught by local artisans, farmers, beekeepers, architects, gardeners, solar builders, permaculture designers and many others. Call 505-424-9797 for more information.
          EarthsBirthday.org—This is a Santa Fe non-profit organization operating since 1989, providing beneficial insects for classrooms and homes. They have a recycling project every year and they are working on a middle school science symposium. For more information call 1-800-698-4438.
          EarthDayBags.org—This non-profit educational project asks kids to decorate grocery bags reminding consumers about Earth Day. It is one of the largest and oldest educational projects promoted on the Internet. Several New Mexico schools, including Moriarty Elementary School, will be participating in this project.
           ArborDay.org—This national organization offers 10 free trees when you become a member. They have a Kids Explore Club. Membership is $20.
          Arbor-Day.net—has tree care information and resources.
          EPA.gov/students/–This is the website of the Environmental Protection Agency and a perfect place to learn about the environment, ecosystems and more. There are fun activities for little kids all the way up to high school.
          The Natural Resources Conservation Service of New Mexico Web site is nm.nrcs.usda.gov.
          TVTurnoff.org—Now in its 12th year, this year the nationwide program asks families to turn the TV off for the week of April 24-30. Santa Fe families can participate in various alternative activities during the week at Wild Oats and elsewhere. For more information contact Shelley Mann-Lev at the SFPS Office of Student Wellness at 467-2573. The Web site (TVTurnoff.org) has fun ideas and hard facts about why it’s important to promote “conservation of the mind.”