Earth Day is celebrated each April 22, but around here you can celebrate early with a fantastic FREE event from Operation Green Team.

Earth Day at Hays Nature Preserve is Saturday, April 18, 204 from 10 am – 2pm.

We thought we’d have a little fun with the “Earth” in Earth Day PLUS tell you all about the celebration too.

E – Earth Day

Each year, Operation Green Team outdoes themselves with a fantastic free family event.

Enjoy 70 earth-friendly exhibits and vendors, demonstrations, make-and-take crafts, face-painting, animal encounters and much more.

A – Animals

Make some new friends with these animal interactives –

• Mass butterfly releases at 11 am and 1 pm sponsored by Alabama Cooperative Extension System
• Get up close to an owl, snakes, gopher tortoise and more with Coosa River Science Center
• Birding Hike with John Ehinger at 8 am (bring binoculars) 

R – River

The Flint River is the centerpiece of of Hays Nature Preserve and a great setting for all of the fun. You can even learn about Fly Fishing with casting demos.

T – Tomato Plant

In addition to the Butterfly release and vendors/exhibits, another popular part of this annual event is the free tomato and cucumber plants (2 per family) that are available. It’s never too late to grow your own vegetables!

H – Hays Nature Preserve

The setting for this Earth Day fun is Hays Nature Preserve, one of Madison County’s treasures.

And with FREE hotdogs, popcorn, cotton candy, water and sodas (while supplies last), you can make a day of it. Bring along a refillable water bottle too and (and picnic lunches are welcome). 

Happy Earth Day ya’ll!

Event Information: Earth Day at Hays Nature Preserve 2015

Dates: Saturday, April 18, 2015
Location: Hays Nature Preserve, South U.S. 431 east of Huntsville
Times: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE