Earth Day 2010 is Thursday, April 22, but there's no need to stand idly by and do nothing until then. If you haven't already begun your eco-friendly deeds this spring, here are a few ways to keep you green and active all week long.
Outpost's fourth annual film fest
Wednesday, April 21
The year is 2022. Overcrowding, pollution, and resource depletion have reduced society's leaders to finding food for the teeming masses. The answer is Soylent Green -- artificial nourishment whose actual ingredients remain hidden from the public. The film "Soylent Green" screens for free at Lakefront Brewery Palm Garden at 7 p.m. Not suitable for children and teens.
Growing Power open house
Thursday, April 22
Check out our urban farm's new solar panels and storm water collection systems with a tour, food samples and organic wine tastings from Bonterra and tea from Rishi. The event runs 10 a.m.-2p.m. RSVP here.
A Sierra Club celebration
Thursday, April 22
Enjoy an eco-puppet pageant, musicians, dancers, puppeteer, poets, girls' choir, photography, children's re-cycle art activities, speakers and some world renowned guests from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Coast Guard Pavilion, 1700 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.
Poetry and music
Friday, April 23
The 23rd annual Earth Poets & Musicians Festival Program is held at the Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park. Enjoy an evening of poetry and song featuring family-oriented/interactive poetry and music with children at 7 p.m. Joining recent Milwaukee Poet Laureate Susan Firer is Jahmes Tony Finlayson, Louisa Gallas, Holly Haebig, Jeff Poniewaz, Suzanne Rosenblatt and Harvey Taylor at 8 p.m. The event is free.
Earth Day Festival at Riverside Park
Saturday, April 24
Everyone can celebrate Earth Day through music, rock climbing, nature walks, crafts, food and more from 12-4 p.m. at the Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl. The event is free.
Earth Day Festival at Washington Park
Saturday, April 24
The annual Washington Park festival has music, canoeing, nature walks, crafts, games, food, resource booths and more. Begin your day by helping to clean up the neighborhood at 11 a.m.
Scooter Foundation Urban Garden Day
Saturday, April 24
The Scooter Foundation works with at risk youth from the Oliver Wendell Holmes School. Help plant fruits, veggies, flowers and seeds to turn a vacant lot into a place for the whole community to enjoy. The garden will be student run and all the crops go to the students. The event runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Spring cleanup
Saturday, April 24
Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful hosts numerous neighborhood cleanups today. Visit kgmb.org for times and locations.
Earth Day for Afternoon Nappers
Saturday, April 24
Kids five and younger can celebrate Earth Day at a special event just for them! They'll see a puppet show, and take part in outdoor activities and crafts from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Urban Ecology Center. The event is free. Register by April 23 at (414) 964-8505.
Grab a canoe and help clean
Saturday, April 24
Milwaukee Riverkeepers' annual Spring River Cleanup combines a canoe trip down the river with river and riverbank cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Milwaukee Rowing Club Boathouse, 1990 N. Commerce St. Register at (414) 964-8505.
NatureFest
Saturday, April 24
The Spring NatureFest at Havenwoods State Forrest has outdoor activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In Celebration of Trees
Sunday, April 25
Kids can connect with nature by exploring hiking trails, creating artwork, adopting a tree and more, during this special Earth Day / Arbor Day event from 12 to 4:30 p.m. at the Boerner Botanical Gardens, 5879 S. 92 St., Hales Corners. Admission is $1.
