April 19, 2007

On Thursday, April 19, the Department of Environmental Quality is hosting its fourth 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 opening remarks by DEQ Director Steven Chester, Department of Agriculture Director Mitch Irwin, and Department of Natural Resources Deputy Director Arminda Koch.

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

More than 1,700 students from nearly 40 classrooms across Michigan will spend a portion of their day interacting with over 50 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 Eaton Rapids Area Arts Council, Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing Regional Recycling Coordinators Committee, Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan State University, Potter Park Zoo, Sierra Club, The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Urban Options, Wildside Rehabilitation Center, and Woldumar Nature Center.

Several of the DEQ district offices across the state will also be holding their own Earth Day activities.

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 19, 2007 by Pat Watson