Saving the planet shouldn't be any less exciting than it sounds. The 50th Anniversary Earth Day Festival at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida on Saturday will host important conservation speakers and environmental exhibitors, of course—but it will kick things up a notch with a signature fish fry by Russell’s Clambakes, live painting by Paul Arsenault, music, boat rides, kayak rentals, nature walks and the revelation of an interactive Sustainability Courtyard. Kids can explore a touch tank, join a drum circle, enjoy crafts with The von Liebig Art Center, compete in a “trashformation” sculpting contest and even meet the Conservancy vet.
If you’re up in Lee County, venture to the beautiful J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island for a family-friendly celebration with plein-air painting, environmentally focused crafts and activities, and free bike use. The event, co-sponsored by the Tarpon Bay Explorers, also serves to kick off the refuge’s Upcycle! Art Fest, which takes place the following weekend.
conservancy.org, dingdarlingsociety.org
