Earth Day Nature Festival ‘celebrates all things natural’

The Conservation and Economic Development Commissions will again honor Mother Nature with its Barkhamsted Earth Day Nature Festival, which kicks off its fourth year on Sunday, April 30, 12:30-4:30 p.m. at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest,

near and in the Pavilion off East River Road, just across from Squire’s Tavern at 100 East River Road.

“Our Earth Day Nature Festival allows people to take advantage of the natural beauty of our area,” said First Selectman Don Stein, in a written statement. “Once they come to town and see all that we have to offer, we expect they will want to visit often. We’re proud of the town and are happy to show it off.”

Activities on April 30 will include a wildlife scavenger hunt, a live falconry and bird show talks on eagles, pollinator gardens, wildlife photography, fire starting, the river and the plight of Monarch butterflies. Wildlife, plants and other fascinating exhibits will be offered as well as a fly fishing clinic, a river insect walk and more.

The Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests (FALPS) will be on hand to help the first 30 youngsters construct their own bat boxes, as well as displaying and selling raffle tickets for a restored 1930s L.L. Bean mahogany and canvas canoe that was owned by philanthropist and naturalist James Goodwin.

Free pizza, prepared and donated by the Riverton General Store, hot dogs, baked goods and other refreshments will be provided, and the Travelin’ Trout will perform live music.

“Nature surrounds our lives whether we live in beautiful Barkhamsted or in New York City,” said Ginny Apple, a Master Wildlife Conservationist and organizer of the event, as well as a member of the Conservation and Economic Development Commissions and FALPS, in a written statement. “It is incumbent on every living being to be mindful of nature’s strength, bounty and magnificence while recognizing its impermanence and fragility. To this end, we must become stewards of all living things. The Barkhamsted Earth Day Nature Festival was created with this in mind in hopes that activities presented at the Festival will help further engender one’s love of nature.”

The festival begins at 9:30 a.m. with a river cleanup on East/West River roads and Peoples State Forest, hosted by the Barkhamsted Lions Club. Those who would like to participate should meet in the Town Hall parking lot at 9:15 a.m.

Between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m., guests can see Christine’s Critters, a live falconry and birds of prey show. Christine Peyreigne, the youngest person to ever become a falconer in Connecticut and a wildlife rehabilitator, will share stories of each raptor and explain how environmental awareness has allowed these creatures to rebound and thrive.

David Sinish, Secretary/Education and Outreach Subcommittee chairman of the Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA), will discuss the Wild and Scenic West Branch of the Farmington River, the Farmington River Coordinating Committee (FRCC) and other entities that work to keep the river clean and health. A number of Master Wildlife conservationists with the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will answer questions and talk about various fur-bearing animals. Exhibitors include Master Gardeners, who will provide information on native plants that can be cultivated to attract birds and wildlife; the Metropolitan District Commission with information about reservoirs and a collection of animals that roam our forests and state; a wildlife photographer; a beekeeper; Grassy Knoll Farm, with information on sustainable farming and products; river biologists; eagle experts; fish biologists, the Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests (FALPS); the Barkhamsted Historical Society.

The event is free and cosponsored by the Conservation and Economic Development Commissions and the Lions Club with assistance from Barkhamsted’s volunteer fire departments.

For information, call Barkhamsted’s First Selectman Don Stein at 860-3798285 or Ginny Apple at 860655-0007.