City plans several Earth Day events

Those who are looking for a way to celebrate Earth Day will not have to look far.

All they need to do is go down to the Expedition Island pavilion between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday to find Earth Day booths, vendors and games.

Jennifer Holden, public works lead operator, said she was excited to have the city's Earth Day event on Earth Day itself.

"We have several new things this year," Holden said.

In addition to the usual recycling games, the city is promoting a read it and seed it program. She said for every book a participant reads they will receive a seed it coupon. They can then take all of the coupons earned to the city's beautification booth to receive seed cards.

Coupons are available at all of the school libraries and at the youth services department at the Sweetwater County Library. Fruit, vegetable and flower seeds are on the seed cards.

Holden said they are making sure to purchase seeds that will actually grow in this area.

"We have a very short season, so we try to get things that grow fast," Holden said.

Last year, about 560 seed coupons were handed out, making it one of the more popular booths.

"That's a lot of books read and seed coupons made," Holden said. "A lot of reading and a lot of planting."

Other booths at the Earth Day fair are from the Green River Chamber of Commerce, Solid Waste Department, Utilities Department, Sweetwater County Library, Sweetwater County Museum, Greenbelt Task Force, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Green River Fire Department. Holden said they may also be vendors from various local businesses at the event.

The Solid Waste Department will hand out information on the landfill closure and transfer station, while the Utilities Department will give out information on getting rid of the sewer ponds and the new waste-water treatment plant.

Holden said the Sweetwater County Library employees are planning on showing children how wind tunnels work.

Those who want to play games will have several to chose from, including sack races and ring toss. Children of all ages can enjoy their luck at the frisbee golf course. This is the first time frisbee gold will be offered at this event.

"I'm excited," Holden said.

Last week, she was in the process of creating the frisbee buckets and getting posts ready to place throughout Expedition Island. She was also going to create maps for residents to follow. Those who are hungry from all the fun activities can head to the pavilion's kitchen and purchase food from a local business.

During the day, the island will be filled with Green River students.

Holden said she has already heard from several schools that have signed up to bring children to the event. So far, more than 200 children are scheduled to attend.

She said those who want to avoid the student crowds will want to attend the event after 3 p.m.

"Hopefully it will just keep growing every year," Holden said. "Eventually it will fill the whole island. That's my goal."