Ann Arbor's Annual Earth Day Festival

ENTERTAINMENT TENT

DTE ENERGY HOUSE

PROJECT GROW GARDENS

Family Entertainment

Adult Learning Presentations

Family Learning

12:30-1:30 Michigan Moon Storytime
Enjoy a playful storytime with  Meg Gower, local naturalist and author of Michigan Moon & Breakfast Moon.  Meg will read her books about native Michigan plants and animals which need our protection, and the phases of our closest celestial partner.   STEM concepts will be highlighted with interactive games.  Book sale/signing to follow.   Please bring cash.

12:30-1:15 Invasive Agricultural Pests
Learn how USDA Scientists work to safeguard Michigan Agriculture from potential invasive threats hitching a ride on international cargo. They will talk about significant pest threats including European Cherry Fruit Fly, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Spotted Lanternfly, and Giant African Snails. The presentation will also highlight technology used in making pest identifications remotely. Close up views of mites associated with honey bees and other pests are shown to highlight the pest identification process. After their talk, visit the USDA table to explore their insect drawers and more information on the invasive pests discussed. Presentation by Toby Glik, USDA Entomologist/Acarologist Identifier.

12:30-1:15  Compost demo
Project Grow

1:30-2:15 The Science & Practice of Forest Bathing
A growing body of research shows spending time in nature has a positive impact on our health!  Learn about the science behind Forest Therapy, a practice based on Shinrin-Yoku, also called "Forest Bathing"  by the Japanese, then go outside for a  Forest Therapy demonstration. Presentation by Cayla R. Samano, artist, author and certified Forest Therapy Guide.

1:30-2:15 Wild Flying Spring Bees
Join Bee scientist Gordon Fitch on an engaging, hands-on hike through the gardens to learn about the amazing diversity of wild native urban bees, and how we can support them.

2:15-2:30 ALL SPECIES PARADE
Come dressed as your favorite flora or fauna and prance, preen, pounce, and frolic throughout the Festival Grounds. The All Species Parade is a tradition that began at the first Eart Day Festival and continues today. Parade begins at the lawn behind the Leslie House.

2:45-3:30 Joe Reilly
Sing along with beloved local singer/songwriter Joe Reilly.  Joe’s songs are playful, clever, engaging, joyful, and always have something meaningful to say.  They celebrate our connections to the natural world while teaching environmental science and stewardship. Joe will be joined by percussionist Lori Fithian of Drummunity for the performance.

2:30-3:15 Manoomin: The Story of Wild Rice in Michigan
Learn about the rich tradition of wild rice in Michigan and its importance to the Anishinaabek people who live here.  Barb Barton,  Author of Manoomin: The Story of Wild Rice in Michigan, will touch on the history, culture, biology, economics, and spirituality surrounding this sacred plant.  She will discuss the historic wild rice beds that once existed in Michigan, why many disappeared, and the efforts of tribal and nontribal people to restore and protect Manoomin across the landscape. Book sale/signing to follow.   Please bring cash. Barb Barton is an endangered species biologist,  life-long wild foods forager, and award-winning singer-songwriter.

2:30-3:15 Emma Environmentalist Storybook Hike
Join author Christy Crews Kenyon on a nature hike through the gardens and woods to take care of our planet! She will read her book, Emma Environmentalist, a children's book that focuses on the real world issue of plastic in our waters.  The hike will inspire local actions to protect our rivers, Great Lakes, and the oceans beyond.  Christy will be joined by her mother Denise Crews who also is the illustrator of her book.   Book sale/signing to follow.   Please bring cash.

AAATA / The Ride

Acton Academy

A2 City - Sustainability & Energy

A2 City - Solid Waste

A2 City - Drinking Water & Stormwater

A2 City - Natural Areas Preservation

Ann Arbor Back Yard Beekeepers

Ann Arbor Citizens Climate Lobby

Ann Arbor Cohousing

Ann Arbor Elders Climate Action Chapter

Ann Arbor Forest School

Apple Playschools

Bee Present Honey

Clean Water Action

Climate Change and Earth Care Taskforce of ICPJ

DTE Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Program

Ecology Center

Friends of the Border to Border Trail

Great Lakes Renewable Energy Assoc.

Huron River Watershed Council

Huron Valley ACS

Leslie Science & Nature Center

Michigan State University Extension

National Wildlife Federation

Nature Learning Community

Recycle Ann Arbor

Scio Residents for Safe Water

Sierra Club Huron Valley

U-M Planet Blue

USDA APHIS

Veterans for Peace Chapter 93

Washtenaw County Parks