Ways to celebrate Earth Day
Plenty to see and do on April 22 in and around Winnipeg
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This article was published 19/04/2023 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Let’s picture a better planet.
That’s the 2023 theme of Earth Day Canada, which aims to give people concrete ways to take action for the environment in an effort to restore the beauty of our world.
Although Earth Day is marked annually on April 22, it’s important to take care of our planet every day.
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Assiniboine Park Conservancy is hosting a Party for the Planet on April 22, 29 and 30 throughout the park, including at the zoo and The Leaf.
Locally, ample opportunities are available to celebrate Earth Day this year.
Here are a few ideas:
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Assiniboine Park Conservancy is hosting a Party for the Planet on April 22, 29 and 30 at various locations throughout the park, the zoo and The Leaf.
On Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can enjoy the Witaskiwin experience at The Leaf. Assiniboine Park Conservancy and Indigenous Languages of Manitoba invite everyone to gather with elders, knowledge keepers and other community members to learn about the importance of caring for Mother Earth. The event will feature an indoor component in the Tannis M. Richardson classroom and an outdoor component in the Indigenous Peoples Garden. Participation is free and open to the public; however, the event doesn’t include admission to the indoor biomes at The Leaf. Visitors are encouraged to buy tickets in advance for the biomes, since they are date and time specific, with capacity limits.
On Saturday, April 29, the Party for the Planet at The Leaf will feature activities throughout the day, including nature-based workshops hosted by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, appearances by Sustainable Superheroes and Heather’s Pretty Parties, LEED sustainability tours, a sustainable storytime with drag artists from Sunshine House and a plant giveaway while quantities last. These free events will take place in public areas of The Leaf that are accessible without paid admission. Tickets to the biomes must be bought separately. The first 100 biome visitors will receive plantable seed paper. In the Mediterranean biome from 7 to 8 p.m., visitors can enjoy a Daniel Jordan performance of Songs from the Inland Sea.
On Saturday, April 29 from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (Winnipeg Centre) will host an International Astronomy Night at the Park. This free event takes place at the Riley Family Duck Pond and is weather-dependent.
On Sunday, April 30, the Party for the Planet will add ecological excitement at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Activities include a plant giveaway while quantities last, appearances by the zoo’s mascot and other special guests, kids’ activities, information booths, sustainable storytime and zoo chats. Zoo tickets can be purchased online in advance or in person, and the first 100 zoo visitors will receive plantable seed paper. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Party for the Planet events will take place between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
More information is available at www.assiniboinepark.ca or by calling 204-927-6000.
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Manitoba Museum staff will show visitors aquatic animal specimens in the Upper Parklands Gallery from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 22 and 23.
Manitoba Museum offers Earth Day activities on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help visitors answer the question, “What can I do to keep our planet healthy?”
The focus will be on water and ice, with a multimedia scavenger hunt throughout the museum galleries.
In the Science Gallery, visitors will have the chance to learn about alternate energy forms in a green energy workshop. Visitors can also learn about the diverse Lake Winnipeg ecosystem.
In the Planetarium, a family-friendly presentation of The Enchanted Reef will capture the attention of viewers of all ages. Atlas of a Changing Earth is another must-see show.
Other highlights include a self-guided Earth Days trail and an Earth Day reflection wall in the museum galleries. Staff will show visitors aquatic animal specimens in the Upper Parklands Gallery from 1 to 4 p.m.
In the auditorium on April 22 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., the Manitoba Museum will host a panel discussion on the topic “Building a Climate Resilient Community.”
To learn more about Manitoba Museum, located at 190 Rupert Ave., visit www.manitobamuseum.ca or call 204-956-2830.
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FortWhyte Alive is offering half-price admission for Earth Day. Visitors can look forward to nature-based presenters, sessions and workshops about our planet and how to protect it.
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FortWhyte Alive is offering half-price admission for Earth Day.
Activities include tours of FortWhyte Farms, which is a social enterprise and working farm on the site. At the Farm Goods Market, items made at FortWhyte Farms will be available for purchase.
At the event, visitors can also learn more about Manitoba Geocaching Association, Beez Please, Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association and Return to Earth green burials.
There will be eco-crafts, a shoreline live-staking workshop on the trails, hourly guided nature hikes and dip-netting on the floating boardwalks.
Other highlights include a bonfire, marshmallow roast and live art-making. Snacks will be available for purchase.
To learn more about FortWhyte Alive, located at 1961 McCreary Rd., visit www.fortwhyte.org or call 204-989-8355.
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Oak Hammock Marsh welcomes everyone to take action to support wetlands at the site on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can join a green building tour.
They can also learn about the marsh in the self-guided Wetland Wanderer activity. Various exhibits and presentations will also share information about the environmental benefits of wetlands. From 1 to 3 p.m., a volunteer drive will take place.
To learn more about Oak Hammock Marsh, located 20 kilometres north of Winnipeg on Highway 67, visit www.oakhammockmarsh.ca or call 204-467-3300.
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Oak Hammock Marsh invites people to take action to support wetlands on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Manitoba Parks is hosting a clean-up event at Birds Hill Provincial Park on Saturday, April 22 from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Attendees can sign up for a short or long designated route to clean. Manitoba Parks will supply the gloves, garbage pickers and bags needed to complete the task. When you return your items, you’ll be entered in a draw for a prize pack that includes two free nights of camping at any provincial park.
The event check-in is located at the pull-off past the west gate entrance off Provincial Trunk Highway 59. Vehicle permits are required in provincial parks.
For more information, or if you require accessibility accommodations, email ParkInterpretation@gov.mb.ca or call 204-654-6739.
To register for the park clean-up event, visit www.manitobaparks.com and find the link under “Education and Interpretation.” More details will also be available on the Manitoba Parks Facebook page.
See page 9 for more Earth Day coverage