April 19, 2004

On Thursday, April 22, 2004, the Department of Environmental Quality will commemorate its first annual Earth Day celebration. Earth Day begins a year long celebration within the department highlighting DEQ’s participation in a variety of events to protect the health and environment of Michigan citizens. The announcement on May 3, 2004 of Ozone Action! Season kicks off this year long celebration and ends with America Recycles Day on November 15, 2004. The celebration will showcase the efforts made by organizations in Michigan in cooperation with department programs to protect the environment and make everyday Earth Day. Events being showcased for 2004 include but are not limited to:

     American Wetlands Month – May
     Clean Air Month – May
     Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week – June 7-13
     Pollution Prevention Week – September 20-26
     Lead Poisoning Prevention Awareness Week – October
     World Water Quality Monitoring Day – October 18

The Earth Day Program will commence with a performance by dancers from the Vivian Riddle Magnet School for the Performing Arts followed by opening remarks from DEQ Director Steven E. Chester.

Nearly 40 environmental activities and displays will be on exhibit. Groups invited to participate in this event include: Michigan schools, legislators, state employees, and other environmental professionals throughout the state.

The DEQ and the Michigan Department of Agriculture will also showcase educational information that includes hands-on exhibits and demonstrations for children in honor of “Bring Your Child to Work Day” also celebrated on April 22.

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

Revised April 19, 2004 by Michelle M. Cancino