2016 Earth Day Celebration, 5K EcoRun & Household Recycling Drop Off

MCHENRY—Come celebrate Mother Earth, Saturday, April 23 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, in Crystal Lake with McHenry County Conservation District and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.

Over 20 environmental booths on sustainable practices as well as a myriad of activities are planned including kids’ crafts, games and activities, puppet shows at 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., guided nature hikes at 12:15 and 3:00 p.m., and a household recycling drop-off. Food and beverage vendors – Toasty Cheese mobile eatery and Pop’s Premier Kettle Corn will be on hand or bring your own “no waste” picnic lunch. Live music by Ken Lonnquist with Dave Adler will be at 11:30 a.m. and 2 pm., whose performance and well-crafted songs exude a wit and charm that entertains all ages.

Learn how you can take measures closer to home to help protect, restore, and make an impact. Activities are both inside and outdoors; the event goes on rain or shine! Car pool to the event with friends and enter the raffle for a free picnic shelter reservation.

New this year in conjunction with the Earth Day Celebration is a 5K EcoRun through Silver Creek Conservation Area. Proceeds benefit McHenry County Conservation District, Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, and Woodstock Morning Rotary Foundation. Register online at www.Rotaryecorun.org before April 20, $25 (includes T-shirt), race day check in: 8:15-9:30 a.m., race start time: 10 a.m. Chip timed certified event with awards in eight age bands immediately following the race. Race parking and free shuttle from Faith Community United Church of Christ, 2023 Il. Route 176, Crystal Lake.

As you begin your spring cleaning drop off your unwanted items: electronics (computers & accessories, TVs, stereos, etc.), small appliances (microwaves must be clean), clean polystyrene, packing peanuts, re-usable bubble wrap, Christmas lights, fluorescent tubes, VHS tapes, CDs, cassettes, and household batteries. We will also be accepting clean shoes, purses, belts and fiber (clothing, towels, etc.) Donations are requested for large TVs or monitors to offset recycling costs ($.50 per pound or not to exceed $30). No smoke detectors, medical devices, console TVs, car batteries, or paint cans.