Keeping it Green: 5 Upcoming Earth Day Events

April 13 – April 23: Baltimore Green Week. The 8th annual event begins at the Kennedy Krieger Institute with a vertical garden planting. Join Baltimore Contained as organic vegetables started from seed by the horticulture students from Kennedy Krieger High School are planted. Using Woolly Pockets planters, you can learn to grow vegetables on any supporting structure, including a chain-link fence. Refreshments provided. 2 to 4 p.m. More information on all activities check baltimoregreenworks.com/events/baltimore-green-week/

April 16: Dundalk Earth Day Festival. The Dundalk-based Baltimore Arts & Music Project hosts the second-annual Earth Day Festival at Veterans Park. Live music, food, arts and crafts for kids, sustainability education and environmentally oriented vendors. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check http://www.baltimoreamp.com/ for more information.

April 23: Baltimore County Park’s Earth Day 2011 Nature & Outdoor Activities. Learn about turtles and the threats they face. Listen in on an astronomical presentation given by a NASA scientist. Get in touch with your creative side with nature-oriented arts and crafts. Become one with nature by walking one of the many park trails. Come for a lecture on climate change. Location: 300 Oella Ave., Baltimore County, 21228. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: 410-887-1081. Website: www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/recreation/countyparks/

April 30: Compost bin and rain barrel sale. Baltimore County Department of Public Works Bureau of Solid Waste Management and Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management are hosting a compost bin and rain barrel sale, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at The Avenue at White Marsh. This community event will offer area residents an opportunity to purchase these items at a reduced price. It will take place on the parking lot off of Town Center Drive behind AMC/Loews Theatres.

 The compost bins, valued at $80, will be available for the low price of $35, including tax. The rain barrels, valued at $90, will be available for $50, including tax. Cash, checks or credit cards are accepted on a first-come first-served basis while supplies last; there is no limit on the amount of compost bins/rain barrels you may purchase. You also do not need to be a Baltimore County resident to purchase a compost bin or rain barrel.

April 30: Greater Severna Park Earth Day Exposition from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Severna Park Middle School, 450 Jumpers Hole Road, Severna Park.

Exhibitors include the Magothy River Association, Greater Severna Park Watershed Action Group, the Maryland eCycling Program, Master Gardeners of the University of Maryland Extension, Solar Energy Services and Maryland Animal Sanctuary Rescue.