It's April, it's spring and it's almost earth day. Time to celebrate the beautiful nature that is all around us. We often talk about giving to each other and sharing the abundance we have in our lives with other people but Earth Day gives us an opportunity to share with the earth: plant a tree, clean up a park or even sit in the woods and focus your attention on the forest around you. Whatever it is, give a little back to the planet that sustains you. Chief Seattle says it best in his statement, Web of Life.
"Teach your children what we have taught our children - that the Earth is our Mother. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons and daughters of the Earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves. This we know. The Earth does not belong to us, we belong to the Earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood that unites one family. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons and daughters of the Earth. We did not weave the web of life; We are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the Web, We do to ourselves."
I've comprised a list of some Earth Day events around the area. I'm sure there are more local gatherings but this is a good start. If you know of any not listed here please leave a comment for others to see. If you can't attend an event, host your own or better yet just hug a tree. Enjoy the gorgeous natural world around you. Happy sunny weekend! Namaste.
Ann Arbor
Earth Day Festival:
http://www.lesliesnc.org/a2earthday
Learn about animals:
http://thecreatureconservancy.org/upcoming-events.html
Plant some seeds:
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg/happening/calendar.asp
Rochester
Earth Day Fest:
http://www.migreenteam.com/miedf
Lansing area
Learn about trees:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-oea-ee-StateEarthDayEvents-Lansing_376163_7.pdf
Troy
A day of recycling:
Farmington Hills
Earth Day Celebration:
http://www.ci.farmington-hills.mi.us
Novi
Plant and mulch trees:
White Lake
Clean up Indian Springs Metropark, celebrate with the Lorax and other wonderful events:
http://www.metroparks.com/events
Royal Oak
Greenfest Celebration at the Zoo:
http://www.detroitzoo.org/events/greenprint
You can also visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for more nature based events now and throughout the year:
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366_11859---,00.html