VERO BEACH — The general public is invited to mark the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day on Saturday, April 14, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s office in downtown Vero Beach at an “Earth Day Open House” focused on conservation and the environment.
The free event, held in conjunction with the Hibiscus Festival, will include children’s activities, displays of live reptiles and fish, presentations by service biologists, displays of artwork and science fair projects by local students, and an exhibit of illegal wildlife products seized by law enforcement officials.
“This is an opportunity to meet our biologists and learn about endangered species, habitat conservation programs, Everglades restoration and more, including ‘Ranger’ the stuffed Florida panther,” said Sandy Cardenas, open house coordinator. “This is an event for the entire family. We’re hoping folks attending the Hibiscus Festival will stop in and visit us.”
The office is at 1339 20th St., across from the post office in downtown Vero Beach.
“We’re also going to have a booth in the children’s area of the Hibiscus Festival with the theme of ‘Junior Biologists in Training,’” Cardenas said. “It should be a fun and educational experience.”
The annual Earth Day is designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment.
Founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, the first Earth Day was held as a symposium April 22, 1970, and has been celebrated on that date ever since.
For more information about the open house, contact Ken Warren at Ken_Warren@FWS.gov or (772) 643-4407.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.