2012 Monadnock Earth Day Festival

Mobilize the Earth

Earth Day: Healthy Communities, Healthy Planet This year's Earth Day celebration will have all the fun of previous years, with music, speakers, open mic sessions, great t-shirts, and lots of community involvement at the Keene Recreational Center. Events and activities occurring throughout the week culminate with the festival hosted by Keene Recreational Center. In addition, in keeping with this year's theme, "Healthy Communities, Healthy Planet," we're also planning service projects, workshops, nature walks, kid's events, and more. Mobilize your family, co-workers and neighbors to come out a join together working towards a healthy community and healthy planet.

Community service projects will run throughout the week of April 15-21. Come and join us at the 2012 Monadnock Earth Day Festival celebrating our planet and community at the Keene Recreational Center from 9am to 4pm on April 21st.

All events are free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information about the Monadnock Earth Festival, please contact Lisa Yeaw.

For more information about volunteering in service projects and events , please contact Rachel Brett.

Ongoing Events

Read-N-Walk
Ashuelot Park and Robin Hood Parks will be home to this year's Story Trails. Stories are self-guided and will be available for viewing thru May.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Bird Watching Walk with Will Broussard
Ashuelot Park River Park, 8am
Join Will Broussard of Antioch University for a stroll thru Ashuelot Park Park, a premiere birding location, and enjoy the morning chirps while the park awakens. Will suggests bringing along your binoculars if you have them.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Container Gardening Workshop
Antioch University's Sustainability and Social Justice Committee will host two workshops on herb/container gardening. Discover tips to growing a garden in a container. Veggies on your patio or berries on the counter you will surely enjoy the fruits of your labor. Materials provided. For more info, contact Rachel Brett at rbrett@antioch.edu

Tapped: Viewing and Discussion
Keene Public Library 7-9pm
The documentary Tapped explores our use of water and encourages the consideration of water transportation. After viewing, Megan Straughen of Antioch University's Think Outside the Bottle Group will lead a short discussion of the documentary and how we can make a difference.

Earth Friendly Reading Circle
10:30 - 11:30am Reading Circle for children ages 1 ½ to 4 years old with additional activities for children ages 5-10 years old.
Location: Chesterfield Public Library

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Earth Friendly Reading Circle
Keene Public Library 10am (Ages 2 ½ -3 ½) and 1:30pm (Ages 3-5)

Blood Drive 2:30 to 7:30
Help save a life by donating blood at the Best Western Plus Sovereign Hotel. Call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule an appointment. Learn about donor eligibility by visiting www.redcrossblood.org

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Days of Service
Antioch students as participating members of SERD will facilitate the matching of volunteers to community service project from 9am to 4pm. Give an hour or an entire day assisting to develop a strong and healthy community. Volunteer with local organizations and projects like community gardening, American Red Cross, and the Keene Senior Center. For more info or to sign up, contact serd.ane@antioch.edu

Earth Friendly Reading Circle
Keene Public Library 10am (Ages 3-5)

Multicultural Story Crafting for Teens and 'Tweens
10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Location: Keene Public Library - Kay Fox Room
All around the world, children listen to stories to learn morals and lessons. In this one-hour workshop, middle school students will first listen to tradition stories from Korea, Russia, Japan, and India. Then participants will create their own group myths. The purpose of the workshop is to enjoy cross-cultural stories, to increase multicultural awareness, and to practice creativity.

This workshop is presented by Gargi Roysircar-Sodowsky, Professor and Director of Diversity Issues at Antioch University New England. She is the Founding Director of the Multicultural Center for Research and Practice at Antioch University New England and Professor of Clinical Psychology.

This workshop is co-sponsored by the Keene Public Library and SERD (Support Group for Ethnic and Racial Diversity) at Antioch University.

Peterborough Vernal Pool Project Volunteer Training
Part 1: Wednesday, April 18 from 7 - 9 pm
Part 2: Saturday, April 21 from 2:30 -4:30 pm
Location: Peterborough Town House, Peterborough
Vernal pools are small, temporary ponds that serve as critical breeding habitat for amphibians, insects, and even tiny clams and crustaceans. In efforts to protect this vital (yet often overlooked) wildlife habitat, Ashuelot Valley Environmental Observatory and the Peterborough Conservation Commission are training volunteers to ground-truth and document potential vernal pools located on public lands throughout the Town of Peterborough. We will cover the building blocks of vernal pool ecology in an indoor training session on Wednesday, April 18 from 7 - 9 pm at the Peterborough Town House, then venture outside for hands-on instruction in vernal pool identification and documentation at a local vernal pool on Saturday, April 21 from 2:30 - 4:30 pm. Volunteers must attend both the indoor and outdoor training sessions to participate in the Peterborough Vernal Pool Project. Co-sponsored by the Harris Center for Conservation Education the Peterborough Conservation Commission.

Both trainings are free & open to the public, but registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Brett Amy Thelen at thelen@harriscenter.org or (603) 358-2065.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Days of Service
Antioch students as participating members of SERD will facilitate the matching of volunteers to community service project from 9am to 4pm. Mobilize your friends, co-workers and neighbors to come out a join us as we work towards a healthy community and healthy planet. Volunteer with local organizations and projects like community gardening, American Red Cross, and the Keene Senior Center. For more info or to sign up, contact serd.ane@antioch.edu

Earth Friendly Reading Circle
Keene Public Library 10am (Ages 1 ½ -3)

Both trainings are free & open to the public, but registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Brett Amy Thelen at thelen@harriscenter.org or (603) 358-2065.

Earth Day: Recycle Art Activity
Join us from 7-9 pm as we work on completing decorations for the Monadnock Earth Day Festival. This is an opportunity to meet your fellow Earth Day committee members and have a little fun with art projects. We will be making the ceremonial City Bus ribbon from recycled paper and our Earth Day Sponsor Tree. Cutting, coloring, gluing and imagination are all the skills needed.
Location: Keene Public Library-Kay Fox Room

Friday, April 20, 2012

Earth Friendly Reading Circle
Keene Public Library 10am (Ages 1 ½ -3) and 11am (Ages 1 ½ -3)

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Earth Friendly Reading Circle
Keene Public Library 10am (All Ages)

SEMINAR: Transition Keene
Do You Support a Transition to a More Sustainable, Resilient, and Self-Reliant Local Economy and Way of Life? Join Katy Locke and Flora Caoqian who will led the discussion for local folks facing up to peak oil, climate change, and a dysfunctional global economy with creativity, courage, and a positive vision.
Location: Keene Recreation Center

SEMINAR: Don't Move Firewood
NH Division of Forests & Lands will be discussing the national campaign to protect our natural and urban forests from invasive insects. Join them and learn what you can do to protect our trees.
Location: Keene Recreation Center

SEMINAR: Monadnock Region Transportation Management Association (MRTMA)
The MRTMA recognizes the broad impacts that our transportation system has on us as individuals and as communities - everything from our jobs to our cost of living to our health. Sit in on this seminar to learn about current and future transportation issues and options.
Location: Keene Recreation Center

Keene Recreational Center Bike/Bus Shelter Dedication
2pm
Join in the ribbon cutting for the new bus/bike shelter at the Keene Rec Center, provided with funding through the City Express. Keene's City Express will be available for viewing all day. Join together to encourage people to bike, walk, and use public transit.

Monadnock Green Business of the Year Award
Come out and meet the Monadnock's Green Business of the Year Award honorary. The Monadnock Green Business of the Year Award recognizes for-profit businesses that have developed innovative practices or programs resulting in environmental stewardship and social responsibility while contributing to the economic vitality of the region.

Dedication & Presentation will be made by Mayor Lane beginning at 2pm.
Location: Keene Recreation Center

Earth Friendly Nature Art Activities
Join Leigh Whaley and friends for Girl Scout Day Camp favorite past time: Arts and Crafts. Several activities will be available to accommodate most ages. Stop by, be creative, learn more about today's Girl Scouts. Activities are from 10-11am.

WORKSHOP: The Art of Communicating Nature
Peter Harris graphic designer and illustrator will host a workshop to discuss visually conveying the environment or nature through art. For more information please contact: Peter Harris Creative @ info@pharris.com
Location: Keene Recreation Center

WORKSHOP: Persian Dance
Jackie Raiford of Ananke Dance, Keene will lead you through the communication of nature through dance. In this classical folk art, you'll learn postures that emulate natural symbols (willow tree, nightingale, the moon, the sun, etc.) to tell a story through movement. Persian dance emphasizes a mind-body connection that promotes wellness, strength, and flexibility. Suitable for women of all ages, no dance experience necessary. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting or stretchy clothing and be prepared to dance in socks or bare feet. For more information please contact: ananke@anankedance.com
Location: Keene Recreation Center

WORKSHOP: Story-telling
Antioch Professor Alesia Maltz is looking forward to sharing the traditional methods of history and culture preservation, story-telling. Story-telling is delightful way to unplug from the modern world and communicate topics with one another in an entertaining and participatory manner.
Location: Keene Recreation Center

WORKSHOP: Creative Worm Composting Solutions
This event is hosted by Jessica Skinner who has a passion for educating people of all ages about local and sustainable food systems. Worm composting is a great way to recycle your organic food waste and an excellent way to connect to the food system. Dig into compost by participating in a compost relay, observing worm bins in action, and participating in a compost Q&A. Bring your questions and go home with your own worm composting bin! Chat with Jess more about composting at Twitter: GoEdibleYardins or her blog http://ladyjess82.wordpress.com/.
Location: Keene Recreation Center

Snack Shack
Refreshments will be available for purchase all day through a variety of fundraising organizations. From 9-11am the Center for Tropical Ecology will be offering Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa, and other breakfast snacks; From 11-2: TBA; From 2-4pm Antioch University's Student Alliance will be hosting their infamous Coffee House.
Location: Keene Recreation Center

Bicycle Blender
Stop by the bicycle blender and pedal your way to a delicious smoothie. Parents can harness children's energy and have a smoothie too.
Location: Keene Recreation Center

Meet the Community (Vendors)
Visit with local organizations and businesses to learn of their passion for the Earth. A variety of organizations will be available to talk with you concerning their organizations, initiatives, and programs. Thinking about volunteering? Many participating organizations would welcome your volunteer efforts. Looking for local eco-friendly businesses? We will have a few of the many eco-friendly businesses located in the Monadnock region available for you to meet; some will have items for sale.
Location: Keene Recreation Center

Billion Acts of Green
Earth Day Network International campaign to gain one billion pledges to live more earth friendly lives is being championed by Diversified Computers of Keene. These one billion pledges will highlight the world's commitment to a healthier planet and be presented during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio De Janiero in 2012. Diversified Computers is hosting the Billion Acts of Green Pledge Kiosk. Throughout the festival visitors will be able to pledge their own commitment to the Earth. Be one of the billion - stop by and make your pledge. Learn more at http://act.earthday.org/
Location: Keene Recreation Center

Walk with Wessels
Professor, author, and scientist, Thomas Wessels will led a guided tour of Pisgah State Park's old growth forest. Meet at the Horseshoe Road Trail head at 9am. The hike will be to North Round Pond and will take about an hour both ways with additional time for stops. We will start in abandoned agricultural lands. Head into the heart of Pisgah that was always forested, see severe impacts from the 1938 Hurricane, and end up in the largest old-growth stand in Pisgah on the south east side of North Round Pond.
Location: Horseshoe Road Trail - Pisgah State Park.

Historic Keene Walking Tour with Tom Haynes
Join Tom Haynes, Director of Education-Historical Society of Cheshire County at 10:30 for a walk to Keene's Central Square on Washington Street. While walking you will learn some of the history in the development of this section of Keene.
Location: Meet at Keene Rec Center

Conant Public Library
Children can participate in Earth Day festival activities such as Reading Circle, Recycle Relay, and Decorate A Tree - a take-home craft activity. Please call 603-239-4331 for more details. Location: Conant Public Library, Winchester, NH

EMS Bike Maintenance Clinic
Eastern Mountain Sports is hosting a bike maintenance clinic. Learn basic repair and maintenance for your bike and network with other riders.
Time: 10am - 1pm
Location: Antioch Campus

Toadstool Bookstore Reading Circle
An enchanting Earth Day related story time at your neighborhood bookstore is sure to delight.
Time: 11am to 12pm
Location: Toadstool Bookshop, Colony Mill Marketplace, Keene

Hinsdale Conservation Committee Community Cleanup
Hinsdale Conservation Committee is hosting a Community Clean-up. The Con Comm, Select Board and Lions Club of Hinsdale will provide collection bags for roadside litter pick-up. How to participate: Come to the Hinsdale Community Center or the North Hinsdale Boys/Girl Scout Building to pick up your collection bags from 8-10am. Head out to do your site for litter pick-up and leave filled bags along the roadside for collection between 12 and 2pm. For more information: concomm03451@gmail.com Time: 8am - 12pm Location: Hinsdale

Keene YMCA
Keene YMCA Outdoor Club is hosting 2 activities that are sure to delight. First is the "Let's Get Rollin" adventure, a family friendly bike ride to get you moving. "Seed Planting and Pet Rocks" activities will include planting your own seeds, make a eco-friendly friend, and learn how to live green.
Time: 9am to noon and 1 to 4 Location: Keene YMCA

E-cycling
Diversified Computers continues their support of Monadnock Earth Day Festival by again hosting this year's E-cycling event. On April 21st from 10am - 1pm they will collect in front of their store at 255 West Street unwanted computer and related equipment for proper recycling. Computers, keyboards, flat panel displays will be taken at no charge. Older, glass tube displays (CRT's) will incur a $5 per charge due to their higher recycling costs. For this event, Diversified Computers contracts with a certified e-cycling center which assures data destruction. For $20 and prior-to-event-day drop-off, Diversified Computers offers onsite hard-drive wiping. More information visit http://www.diversifiedcomputers.net Location: Keene