Earth Day 2016 in MHC

- Written by MHC Tourism Ambassador program participant, Latala Hodges.

How will you celebrate Earth Day this year?

Our community has a rich history of celebrating this national movement recognized by a billion people across the world in 192 countries!To mark the very first Earth Day in Martinsville and Henry County, Dr. James W. McIntosh, a long-time professor of biology at Patrick Henry Community College, led students in a march in uptown Martinsville on April 22, 1970 to protest against pollution. This was only the beginning. Photo courtesy of Patrick Henry Community College

There are many activities and events for the entire family – you don’t have to look far to find a way to celebrate Earth Day 2016!

Get out and enjoy the outdoors at the 2016 Earth Day Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at J. Frank Wilson Memorial Park. Activities are available for everyone including a variety of games, crafts, face painting, temporary tattoos, and live music! This event is free to attend and sponsored by the Virginia Museum of Natural History and Martinsville Parks and Recreation.

If you haven’t visited the latest exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, make plans to stop by. You can explore natural history and the many ways to conserve our planet. The "Wild Watersheds" exhibit features the many watersheds of Virginia and the ways that we can help keep them beautiful and full of natural resources. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

Celebrate with an Earth Day Bike Ride at Mountain Laurel Trails in Ridgeway, VA beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 2
4. Find out more here: bit.ly/1W4oupc.

Green Living Market, located at 840 Wind Dancer Lane, will take place from April 22-23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days. Green Living Market is known for its antiques, vintage, architectural salvage dealers and makers of rescued, restored, re-purposed and up-cycled products. Vendors will carry a little bit of everything!

The national theme for Earth Day 2016 is “Trees for the Earth,” but you can celebrate the Earth every day. Plant a tree, spend some time on the Dick and Willie Passage Rail Trail, or enjoy the Smith River. Take time with your family to enjoy nature and all the wonderful sights Martinsville and Henry County has to offer!