WVU Parkersburg to mark Earth Day

Apr 17, 2021

Staff Reports

editorial@newsandsentinel.com

PARKERSBURG — Earth Day will be celebrated 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday on the main campus walking trail at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

Organized by the Ecohawks, a student environmental group, the event is free and open to the public.

Family-friendly activities are planned. Children can make terrariums from recycled plastic bottles and pine cone bird feeders and meet Smokey Bear.

Flowers and vegetables will also be available for giveaways. A bat house information station will be available and pre-made houses will be for sell.

The West Virginia Division of Forestry and Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action will have stations with tree and plant identification guides and how individuals can use more environmentally sustainable products in their daily lives.

The identification guides may be used on the college’s walking trail to classify wildlife.

“It is our duty to protect the world we share, its ecosystems and species,” said Valerie Keinath, Ecohawks adviser. “The Ecohawks hope to inspire and encourage others to give back to the planet and preserve its beauty, and in return, humanity.”

Sandwiches, fruits, vegetables and other refreshments will be available for purchase and will follow COVID-19 and health department guidelines. All will be provided in Earth-friendly compostable containers.

Attendees are asked to follow the college’s health and safety guidelines, including wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.

For more information, contact Keinath at vkeinart@wvup.edu or 304-424-8327.