April 21, 2005

Today, the Department of Environmental Quality will be hosting its second 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.

The Earth Day program will commence with a performance by dancers from the Vivian Riddle Magnet School for the Performing Arts at 9:30 a.m., followed by opening remarks by DEQ Director Steven E. Chester, Department of Agriculture Director Dan Wyant, and Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries.

More than 55 environmental activities and displays will be showcased, including a number of hands-on exhibits and demonstrations for kids. Among other attractions will be a solar car that kids can operate in the parking lot, and a display educating visitors on the amount of waste going to our landfills, and how everyone can help reduce that amount through greater recycling efforts.

Groups invited to participate in this event include Michigan schools, legislators, state employees, and other environmental professionals throughout the state.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture is co-hosting the event with the DEQ, and partnering organizations include Inland Seas Education Association, Michigan Asthma Network (American Lung Association of Michigan), Michigan State University – Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program, League of Michigan Bicyclists, Tri-County Waste Reduction Awards Program, Lansing Integrated Solid Waste Management, Michigan Audubon Society, Grand Valley Metro Council (West Michigan Clean Air Coalition), Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners, Ducks Unlimited, Urban Options, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean School Bus Program, and the Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Libraries.

Several of the DEQ district offices across the state will be holding their own Earth Day activities today. Also, on Friday, April 22, the new DEQ Warren office will be celebrating the grand opening of a new “Green” building with exhibit booths from all the DEQ divisions, as well as a full day of speakers and Earth Day presentations.

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

Revised April 21, 2005 by Pat Watson