Greencastle Parks and Recreation announces Go Green Week, activities

GREENCASTLE -- The city's Parks and Recreation Department announces its plans to celebrate Earth Day 2010, Arbor Day and Go Green Week in April.

The 40th anniversary of Earth Day is April 22. The department will have activities from April 19 to April 30 to celebrate, teach, involve and practice the importance of Earth Day and Arbor Day, which is April 30.

Beginning April 19, students age 11 to 18 can participate in an after school gardening club until April 22.

Students will learn to prepare the soil, plant seeds, transplant young plants and other gardening tasks. Plants help the environment by producing oxygen, stopping erosion, habitat for small animals and food.

The group will meet from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily starting April 19 at Robe-Ann Park near the maintenance building and travel to various park properties during the week.

Cost is $20 per youth.

The Critical Mass Bike Ride in recognition of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day will be April 25.

Join others in making a statement for a fun and sustainable form of transportation. Riders will meet on the north side of the Putnam County Courthouse Square at 1 p.m. There will be a short rout, a 10-mile or 25-mile route to choose from.

The event is co-hosted by the DePauw University Environmental and Bicycle Clubs and the GPRD. Bicycle helmets are required.

Mommy and Me Earth Day edition will be April 28. The Mommy and Me group will learn about the earth and have crafts and activities with "green" and "recycle" in mind. The program is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Putnam County Museum.

Cost is $25 for the six-week Mommy and Me session.

April 29 will be "Welcome Spring" craft time at Robe-Ann Park. Toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners and their caregivers will meet to welcome spring with crafts, plants, outdoor play, snacks and fun. Children will be getting dirty.

The event runs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Shelter 5 in Robe-Ann Park. Cost is $5 per youth.