Earth Day falls on April 22, but Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful is waiting until 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28, to kick off its celebration, and the fun is scheduled to last all day long.

The day begins at Marbut Bend Walking Trail with a nature walk guided by Damien Simbeck of Tennessee Valley Authority’s Resource Management. Those who attend are asked to wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars and a camera as they learn about area wildlife and history along the West Limestone trail.

From there, the fun moves to Friendship United Methodist Church, where KALB and WOW! are hosting the 10th annual Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO. The co-sponsorship has allowed for a wide array of activities for all ages of the public to enjoy.

“We are so please to have WOW! involved in our celebration of Earth Day this year,” said Lynne Hart, executive coordinator of KALB. “They have been very generous in helping to cover the cost of our live annual presentations, Earth Day T-shirts and much more.”

The design of the T-shirts was chosen through a contest for students in grades 5–12. Athens Intermediate School fifth-grader Nash Hargrave created the winning design, which will be available for sale for $12 per shirt or two for $20. Thanks to the WOW! sponsorship, every dollar made from the sales of the shirt will go to KALB.

Fulgham’s Inc., a tree preservation service provider, also joined as a sponsor this year. Regional Manager and Certified Arborist David Olhrich will provide hands-on instruction on the planting and care of trees.

“David is extremely knowledgeable on the subject,” Hart said. “He will lead groups at the top of each hour, beginning at 11 a.m., sharing information on a different tree care topic at each presentation.”

Eventgoers will also get the chance to learn about gardening from the Limestone County Master Gardeners Association, learn about recycling from the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center and even receive plant cuttings from the Athens-Limestone Beautification Board while supplies last.

For younger eventgoers, activities range from recycled crafts courtesy of Athens Arts League to face painting, a petting zoo courtesy of Tennessee Valley Zoo and even a scavenger hunt. Kids will receive the list at admission and have to visit different booths for the answers they seek.

“It won’t be too hard for the kids to figure out what booth will have the answers,” Hart said. “It will give older children the opportunity to practice deductive reasoning.”

Find at least eight answers to earn a free popcorn to enjoy with the complimentary hot dogs and Pepsi also offered at the event.

While browsing booths for answers, kids and adults can also enter for door prizes. Everyone receives one free door prize ticket upon admission, with the option to buy additional tickets to increase their chances of winning the prize of their choice.

They can also check out the raptors in Wings to Soar’s new and improved exhibit area or the reptiles from Camp McDowell while they decide. From its 10 a.m. beginning to the 3 p.m. end, the EXPO is designed to go above and beyond in continuing KALB’s mission of educating and empowering citizens of Athens and Limestone County so they can take greater responsibility for their community environment.

To learn more about KALB or the Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO, visit www.kalbcares.com or call KALB at 256-233-8728.