Earth Day turns 40 today and is showing its maturity with events that move out of the grass roots and into the mainstream.
Celebrations taking place in Maine offer less of a drum-circle-protest vibe and more of a things-we-can-do focus.
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So whether you’re looking to check out a film or find a hands-on activity for the kids, these events offer varied options.
Bayside Trail Volunteer Garden Planting
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. Free.
Planet Dog Company Store, 211 Marginal Way, Portland
Join the effort to plant a rain garden on the new Bayside Trail behind the Planet Dog Company Store.
“Dirt! The Movie” Screening and Discussion
6 p.m. today. Free.
Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery, 14 Maine St., Fort Andross, Brunswick. 725-5222.
Narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis, this film by Bill Benenson and Gene Rosow explores the mysteries of soil and looks at how drought, climate change and war are related to our treatment of dirt. After the screening there’ll be a discussion featuring local food and farming experts.
Clay Hill Unplugged
6 to 9 p.m. today. $15 in advance; $18 at the door.
Clay Hill Farm, 220 Clay Hill Road, York. 361-2272, clayhillfarm.com.
This social networking event features composting and recycling experts, alternative energy companies, earth-friendly product samples and local food producers. Enjoy appetizers, a cash bar and live music.
Laudholm Earth Day Celebration
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Free.
Wells Reserve at Laudholm, 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells. 646-4521; www.wellsreserve.org.
Enjoy live music and meet local food producers and others active in preserving Maine’s natural resources.
Earth Day Marsh Cleanup
9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Free.
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, Pine Point Road, Scarborough. 781-2330.
Meet at the Nature Center, where teams will be assigned to clean areas throughout the marsh, on local beaches and along the roadsides.
Earth Day South Portland Cleanup
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Free.
Mill Creek Park, South Portland
Meet at Mill Creek Park at 8:30 a.m. and get assigned to one of the many teams that will clean areas across the city.
Organic Workshop
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Free.
O’Donal’s Nurseries, 6 County Road, Gorham. 839-4264.
Attend all-day workshops on composting, planting and growing organically.
Got Your Bags?
1 p.m. Sunday. Free.
Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave., Portland. 892-8391.
Matt Prindiville of the Natural Resources Council of Maine talks about why it’s important to carry reusable bags in your car and why you should encourage others to do the same.
FOR THE KIDS
Vacation Station — Earth Day
9:30 a.m. to noon today. Free.
Hope.Gate.Way., 185 High St., Portland. 899-2435.
Bring children ages 3 to 12 for Earth-related crafts, games, music, stories and snacks.
Earth Day Activities
10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.today.Free.
McArthur Public Library, 270 Main St., Biddeford. 284-4181.
Drop in anytime to take part in hands-on activities.
Earth Appreciation
10 to 11 a.m. today. Free.
Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery; 14 Maine St., Fort Andross, Brunswick. 725-5222.
Earth-related songs, stories and simple crafts for children up to age 6.
Square-Foot Gardening
1 to 3 p.m. today. Free.
Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road. 780-4205.
Pre-register to learn how to build a square-foot child’s garden.
Earth Day Celebration
2 to 4 p.m. today. Free with admission.
Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, 142 Free St., Portland. 828-1234.
Take part in an animal puppet parade, play recycling basketball, plant seeds, decorate pots and enjoy healthy treats.
Staff Writer Avery Yale Kamila can be contacted at 791-6297 or at:
akamila@pressherald.com
Send questions/comments to the editors.
