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“Get Your Green On” at Trailside’s Wild Earth Fest, Sunday, April 28

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal invite families with children of all ages and adults alike to celebrate wildlife and embrace environmental conservation at an exciting daylong event at  Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Sunday, April 28.

The annual “Wild Earth Fest” at Trailside will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $4 per person; children 6 years and younger are free. The first 400 people to be admitted will receive free tree seedlings.

“Young children and nature lovers of all ages will have a field day at Trailside Nature and Science Center while they learn about the wildlife all around us,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “Special programs will include music and audience participation as they encourage everyone to appreciate all living things.”

Earthcapades will perform “Planetary Circus” at 12 noon and 1:30 p.m. This entertaining and engaging presentation will teach ecology and earth science while educating about conserving natural resources, eliminating pollution and reducing waste. Earthcapades combines circus skills, music, storytelling, comedy and audience participation to inspire people to celebrate, respect and protect planet Earth.

At 3 p.m., the wonders of the natural world are within reach during “A Touch of Nature.” This program will introduce the audience to the world of animals, from the ordinary to the exotic. While blending excitement and surprise with understanding, the audience will have an opportunity to meet a variety of live animals, including birds, insects and reptiles.

Glenn “Wreckin Ball” Waldeck will delight the audience on a musical journey that touches on an array of topics and encourages participation through singing, dancing and other antics. His songs have been heard on NBC, PBS, CNN and the Discovery Channel.

Ongoing activities include Vinnie Reo and his wolves from Wolf Visions, who will dispel the myths of the “Big Bad Wolf” and explain their role in keeping a balanced ecosystem. Attendees also can meet a Trailside reptile every hour beginning at 11:45 a.m. Wild Earth Fest will offer ongoing Eco-Art activities, free face-painting and Recycling Olympics.

Refreshments and wildlife-related art and gifts will be available for purchase.

Winners of the Environmental Hero Awards and the Wildlife Photography Contest will be honored at 4:45 p.m.

For more information about “Wild Earth Fest” or any other upcoming programs or events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

 

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