Giving the planet its due on Earth Day

PIKE-WAYNE - In the midst of the rain, the earth was celebrated around the region last Saturday. Earth Day was observed with hands on activities and demonstrations for children and adults centered around environmental awareness and understanding. At PEEC in Dingmans Ferry, live animal displays attracted plenty of attention. there were Alpacas for the kids to feed and touch. Education stations concentrated on demonstrating and teaching about water quality and how to protect this natural resource. Recycling, wildflowers and weeds, geology, and bird watching were some of the other exhibits set up. Live music by local musicians entertained guests. PEEC was also celebrating the grand opening of the Visitor Activity Center. A presentation by State Representative John J. Siptroth and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Superintendent John Donahue took place in the Visitors Center. At the Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center in Hawley the Audubon Society provided hands on demonstrations and plenty of kids activities such as “fish printing” where kids ‘inked up’ rubber fish and then created fish prints on sheets of paper. A beekeeping demonstration was set up by the Wayne Pike Beekeepers Club which explained the life cycle of the honey bee along with an actual live beehive. Bird banding demonstrations, butterfly displays, native lake and stream fish displays, as well as other activities kept visitors interested. Pennsylvania Power and Light was on hand to explain the workings of the Wallenpaupack Hydroelectric Station and how it is an environmentally friendly source of power. Area conservation organizations were on hand at both festivals. The day was rainy and although many of the activities were to be held outdoors, organizers moved everything inside and programs went on as scheduled.