Eugene Patron, who keeps me up to date on events in Prospect Park, sent me word that April 19 – 27 is Earth Week. And boy there’s a lot of ways that kids and adults can learn what to do to help the environment. The Prospect Park Audubon Center, which is celebrating its sixth birthday, is just one of many locations in the Park with special programs heralding the arrival of spring, and environmental education for the whole family. Interestingly, the festivities are sponsored by Ikea Movers Not Shakers.
Saturday April 19
Prospect Park Youth Council Pre-Earth Day Celebration
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Youth Resource Center at Bowling Green Cottage (Prospect Park Parade Ground).
Details: Get a jump on celebrating Earth Day (April 22) with the Prospect Park Youth Council! Activities include gardening, removing of invasive weeds and plants, and reconstruction of flowerbeds and veggie gardens. Learn about what we can do as individuals and families to reduce waste and conserve energy. And soothe what ails you by learning holistic remedies to common ailments. Free.
Hands on New York
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Endale Arch on the north end of the Long Meadow.
Details: In partnership with New York Cares, help shore up walking paths along the Long Meadow and manicure its magnificent trees. Walk-ins are welcome. Call (718) 965-8960 for more information.
Sunday April 19 & 20
Environmental Education Day
Date: Sunday, April 20
Time: 12 – 5 p.m.
Location: Prospect Park Audubon Center
Details: Start off your environmental education week at the Audubon Center with a day of learning about your local ecosystem in Prospect Park. Make crafts with recycled materials, take a Discover Tour, and learn how nature can make you happier! All events free.
April 21 – 27
Earth Week and Exhibition at the Audubon Center
Time: 12 – 5 p.m. every day
Location: Prospect Park Audubon Center
Details: Earth Week at the Prospect Park Audubon Center will have a different theme each day, with programming for environmentalists of all ages. Learn how to do your part through lectures, tours, activities, film screenings, workshops, recyclable crafts, and a daily exhibit. View works and an installation by artist Jessica Baker, who prints geometric designs on leaves found in Prospect Park and other parts of Brooklyn. Visit ww.prospectpark.org for a full listing of activities and events — all free.
Special Events Saturday, April 26 at the Prospect Park Audubon Center:
B’EarthDay Bash, 1 – 4 p.m. Celebrate the birthdays of John James Audubon, Frederick Law Olmsted and James Stranahan. At 2 p.m. Lloyd Miller of the Deedle Deedle Dees and friends will perform a special, musical birthday celebration. There will also be arts and crafts, plus birthday cake. Artist’s reception, 5 – 8 p.m. Enjoy a public reception with live music for artist Jessica Baker’s Leaf & Circle exhibit at the Audubon Center. Free.