Check out this list of ways to celebrate Earth Day in 2022
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Know of other Earth Day events happening in Doña Ana County? Let us know by emailing [email protected]
LAS CRUCES – Earth Day is celebrated every year in recognition of the birth of the modern environmental movement and provides a day to celebrate Earth. This year, on April 22, groups throughout the community are hosting events people can take part in.
Earth Day was officially recognized in 1970 and has since become a day to promote and protect nature, environmentalism and positive actions for the health of the planet. Check out this list of ways to get involved locally.
Drive Electric Earth Day with El Paso Electric
Drive Electric Earth Day is a national campaign to educate people about electrical vehicles and the environmental benefits of making the switch from traditional gas powered vehicles. El Paso Electric will be set up at the Farmers and Crafts Market of Las Cruces Saturday, April 16 showcasing a variety of EVs. The company will be located along the Plaza de Las Cruces from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
People will also be on hand to discuss the incentives available for customers, types of charging as well as current and future initiatives EPE has in place. Local companies will join EPE to discuss installation of EV charging equipment. Those interested in showcasing their EV Saturday can email [email protected]
Seed saving and Storytime at Branigan Memorial Library
The Tierra Sagrada Seed Library is hosting a basic seed saving workshop at 1 p.m. April 22 in Branigan Library’s Computer Training Classroom. Those interested in saving their own seeds and contributing to the community seed stock are encouraged to join. Participants will gain an introduction to seed saving and methods to set up a garden for saving each year.
The event is free and open to all. Registration can be filled out online at las-cruces.assabetinteractive.com.
Later that same afternoon, the library will host Earth Day Storytime in the Children’s Craft Room. Storytime will begin at 4 p.m. and is recommended for children between 4 and 10. Registration is not required.
Children will hear a story about planet Earth and be able to create their own plant starters.
People who require an accommodation for a disability can call the library at 575-528-4102 or 575-528-4008 (TTY). Calls should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the events.
Learn about native plants with DAVA
The Doña Ana Village Association is hosting an Earth Day event April 22 on the Village Plaza, located at 5393 Cristo Rey St. From 3:30-6:30 p.m. community members are invited to join and learn about native plants in the area and how to plant and care for them.
‘Planting the Seed’ with Holy Cross Retreat Center
Holy Cross Retreat Center, located at 600 Holy Cross Rd., Mesilla Park, is hosting two events the weekend of Earth Day. On Friday, April 22, people are welcome to participate in an interfaith prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Retreat Director Fr. Tom Smith said this service is intended to build community support and allow word of environmental efforts to then be spread.
On April 23, the retreat will host 10 speakers on various topics, including water conservation, the Tierra Sagrada Seed Library and what it’s like to own an electric vehicle. This event is open to the public and family-friendly, beginning at 10 a.m. Food and drinks will be provided.
Painting of an outdoor mural is also on the agenda throughout the day and people are encouraged to help. Contact the retreat center at 575-524-3688 for more information. The April 23 schedule is as follows:
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10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Join in painting an outdoor mural
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10 a.m.: Appreciating plants and animals in the desert
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10:30 a.m.: Ways to conserve water
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11 a.m.: What is the Tierra Sagrada Seed Library?
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11:30 a.m.: Pruning roses and caring for tools
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Noon: Appreciating our parks
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12:30 p.m.: Solar panels, composting and free hollyhock seeds
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1 p.m.: Planting and caring for trees and bushes
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1:30 p.m.: See an electric car and hear what it’s like to own one
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2 p.m.: La Semilla on an equitable and sustainable food system
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2:30 p.m. Planting a drought-resistant tree at the center
Activities with the Las Cruces Museum System
The City of Las Cruces’ museum system is hosting a joint event April 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.
According to a news release, “Branigan Cultural Center will be exploring how Earth is celebrated in different cultures around the world. Studio Programs will be teaching how to make a succulent garden out of recycled objects. Artventurous! at the Museum of Art will be a hands-on activity about Earth and its symbolism. The Museum of Nature & Science will be showing you how to support the local bird and bee populations by creating mini gardens and peanut butter bird feeders. The Railroad Museum will be offering take home kits about clean transportation methods.”
An oil spill clean-up will also be demonstrated at the Museum of Nature & Science at 11 a.m. For information, email [email protected] or call 575-522-3120. Locations include:
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Branigan Cultural Center: 501 N. Main St.
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Museum of Art: 491 N. Main St.
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Museum of Nature & Science: 411 N Main St.
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Railroad Museum: 351 N. Mesilla St.
Seeds of Change with the Democratic Party of Doña Ana County
The local Democratic Party is hosting an event beginning at 11 a.m. April 23 at Young Park, located at 850 S. Walnut St. Participants will plant native seeds in the area and families will get seed balls to take home and plant. Brown bag lunches will be provided by the party.
Representatives with the party will also talk about local environmental issues and initiatives. New Mexico Sen. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces, and Rep. Angelica Rubio, D-Las Cruces, will be on hand to discuss outdoor trail legislation and the Outdoor Equity Fund. Lists for canvassing will be made available by the party after the event.
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Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, [email protected] or @rromero_leah on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Check out this list of ways to celebrate Earth Day in 2022