ECC Celebrates Earth Day

Many hands-on activities for children will highlight the Earth Day celebration at East Central College on Saturday, April 30.  The free event will be held from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Donald D. Shook Student Center at the college campus in Union.

Children will have the opportunity to plant samplings, learn about recycling and repurposing and also learn about animals and their habitats.  There will be a variety of games focused on protecting the earth’s natural resources.

Exhibitors confirmed thus far include the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Regional Stream Team, HALO Animal Shelter, Endangered Wolf Center, Miramiguoa Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalists, Stuart Farms, Ned’s Nesting Boxes, Labadie Environmental Organization, Hillermann’s Nursery, and several other groups.  In addition, several ECC student groups will have demonstrations and activities promoting environmental awareness and recycling.

Several groups will be collecting items at Earth Day.  People can also bring their old electronics in for recycling, based on the one man handling rule. Any size flat panel TV or monitor, as well as printers that can be carried by an individual will be accepted.  Each person is allowed to bring one CRT computer monitor. A total of 3 CRT TV’s (32” or less) can be dropped off.  No large household appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, or stoves can be donated. Used cell phones will be accepted for ALIVE; used crayons can be brought in for the Crayon Initiative; and used blankets, pet toys, and pet food will be accepted for HALO animal rescue.

Dr. Parvadha Govindaswamy, ECC associate professor of biology and event coordinator, noted that that the college hopes families can visit the campus April 30 to learn what they can do to conserve and protect the environment, and also be exposed to the educational and career opportunities in environment and science related careers.  “We want children to have fun with science,” said Govindaswamy.

For more information about Earth Day activities at ECC call 636-584-6627.