The Department of Environmental Quality is today hosting its sixth annual Earth Day Celebration at Constitution Hall in Lansing. The day will feature a number of fun and educational exhibits for school groups visiting from across the state.

"We are once again excited to be hosting Michigan's Earth Day celebration," said Director Steven E. Chester. "It serves as an opportunity for kids to learn about the environment, and a reminder for all of us of our role in protecting this great natural legacy we call Michigan."

More than 1,700 students from nearly 35 classrooms across Michigan will spend a portion of their day interacting with nearly 60 interactive and hands-on environmental activities and displays. The Goodwill Association and Dell Inc. will be collecting computers for recycling as part of the day's events as well.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources are co-hosting the event with the DEQ. Other participating organizations include Arboriculture Society of Michigan, Asthma Initiative of Michigan, Clean Air Coalition of Southeast Michigan, Clean School Bus USA, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Fenner Nature Center, Friends of the Detroit River, Girl Scouts - Heart of Michigan Council, Grand Valley State University, Hoholik's Ace Hardware, Inland Seas Education Association, JFNew, Lansing Board of Water and Light, Library of Michigan, Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education, Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, Michigan Audubon Society, Michigan Corn Office - Corn Growers Association, Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of Management and Budget, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association, Michigan Envirothon, Michigan Geographic Alliance, Michigan Mosquito Control Association, Michigan Nature Association, Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, Michigan Pest Control Association, Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, Michigan State University, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Michigan Water Environment Association, MSU Be Spartan Green, National Wildlife Federation, Nu Union, SES Smiley Energy Services, Sierra Club, TetraTech, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, U.S. EPA Clean Air, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Michigan, Urban Options, Valley Farm Supply, Woldumar Nature Center and Wyman State Forest Nursery, DNR.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised April 22, 2009 by Pat Watson