We in the western communities are blessed to have an abundance of green space and natural beauty. From expansive fields to forests, wetlands and more, our communities brush up against some of Florida’s most breathtaking natural wonders, whether you’re bird watching at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge to the south or taking a 10-minute drive to the beautiful beaches to the east.
Living in such natural wonder, it’s easy to take what we have for granted. But this month, the world will come together to celebrate Earth Day, putting the focus on what we as a community can do to make our world a little bit better, and everyone should get involved.
Earth Day was established in 1970 and is credited with launching the modern environmental movement. The world stops and celebrates each year, considering green economic policies at home and in the community, as well as using the observance to educate children.
This year, there are plenty of ways for you and your family to get involved, whether it’s volunteering some time to clean up the community or attending environmentally focused events.
On Saturday, April 12, the Village of Royal Palm Beach and The Acreage will participate in the Great American Cleanup. Wellington will hold its cleanup on Saturday, April 26.
Royal Palm Beach’s cleanup will focus on its roads and rights-of-way, beginning at 8 a.m. Volunteers will meet at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane). For more info., call Michael Cheatham at (561) 790-5199.
Residents of The Acreage will be doing a cleanup at Golden Grove Elementary School (5959 140th Ave. North) on the Altman Trail, also beginning at 8 a.m. For more info., call Estibaliz Gastesi at (561) 904-9701.
On April 26, Wellington will clean up the Folkstone/Yarmouth neighborhood, along with Greenview Shores Blvd., starting at 10 a.m. For more info., call Scott Campbell at (561) 791-4105.
The whole community will then come together on Sunday, April 27 when Wellington hosts its Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration at the Wellington Amphitheater from 4 to 7 p.m. Attendees will have a chance to enjoy earth-friendly vendors and educators, as well as the planting of a native South Florida slash pine tree, free tree seedlings, food, demonstrations and more. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.
So whether you hike up your sleeves and volunteer for a cleanup, learn more about green living or just pick up a piece of trash or two you encounter in the community, remember this month to slow down, take some time and appreciate all the beauty our area has to offer. We wouldn’t be the same without it.
