Prince Edward County reveals plans to mark Earth Day

Prince Edward County is celebrating Earth Day with a number of events and activities leading up to and surrounding the occasion.

“Earth Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to the environment and to the implementation of sustainability efforts,” Mayor Steve Ferguson says. “There are many Earth Day activities this year that highlight municipal initiatives and opportunities for the community to get involved.”

Earth Day began in 1970 to raise awareness of environmental action. Today, countries around the world take part in events that showcase what organizations are doing to address various environmental issues.

Events planned in Prince Edward County include:

Composter Giveaway
Prince Edward County recognizes the benefits of composting organics, particularly the cost benefits composting at home can have on the overall waste management budget.

In support of this initiative, the municipality is giving away 200 composters to County residents to support the most efficient means of managing organics waste.

Composters will be available on a first come first serve basis on Saturday, April 20 at 115 Lake Street in Picton between 8 am and 12 pm.

Owen Jones Memorial Community Clean-Up Day in support of Quinte Trash Bash
Saturday, April 20 throughout the County.

Residents who are interested in participating alone or in a group can register by contacting Evan Nash at evannash@gmail.com. More information is available at the following link  https://www.facebook.com/groups/293875649003122/

Waste collected on the day of the clean-up can be dropped off at the following locations free of charge:

• • Picton Home Hardware (13544 Loyalist Parkway)
  • Midtown Brewery parking lot (266 Wellington Main Street)
  • 15 Coleman Street (Ameliasburgh), next to the works garage
  • 2179 County Road 17 (Milford)

Large Item Swap
Saturday, April 20 to Sunday, April 21. All weekend, County-wide.

Residents within settlement areas are encouraged to place their lightly used large items at the curb for other residents to take and continue to use. For those living in rural areas, the municipality encourages residents to post their items and location in the event page on Facebook for people to peruse. This will help reduce greenhouse gases and improve interest in the program. Those living in the settlement areas are also welcome to post the items they will be offering.
Miyawaki Forest Presentation
Wednesday, April 24 from 7 pm to 9 pm, Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street)

The Prince Edward County Garden Club is presenting a talk on Indigenous little forests, inspired by the Miyawaki Forest Method by Joyce Hostyn from Little Forests Kingston.

The talk will present information on rapid afforestation and how we can plant, care for, and restore our relationship with our Indigenous forests and the diversity of the beings who call them home.
Earth Week Talks – Construction of the Murray Canal
Thursday, April 25 at 6:30 pm, Ameliasburgh Church Building

Join Dan Buchanan to hear about his fourth history book “A History of the Murray Canal.”

The talk will provide insight into how the project began, how the canal was dug, as well as the complications, adjustments, and problems that delayed its completion.
Beyond the Lawn – Naturalized Garden Workshop
Friday, April 26 from 6:30 pm – 9 pm, Macaulay Church (23 Church Street Picton)The County Garden Club and members of the Environmental Advisory Committee’s Natural Cover Working Group will host a discussion on lawn naturalization, rain gardens, and incorporating soft landings into landscapes and gardens.

Beyond the Lawn – Naturalized Garden Tour
Saturday, April 27 from 1 pm – 4 pm. Visit six gardens that showcase low-cost design ideas to enhance biodiversity, recharge groundwater, and add seasonal beauty to our community. Tour the gardens at your own pace or take the County Transit tour bus. Registration is required.

Quinte Conservation Program Showcase
Saturday, April 27 from 10 am – 11 am, St. Philip’s Church (45 Philip Street, Milford)

Sustainable PEC and Quinte Conservation’s Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator, to present a discussion on the programs that Quinte Conservation’s offers within the local watershed.

Tree Giveaway
A total of 2,000 trees will be available On Saturday, May 4 from 9 am to 12 pm at:

• • Prince Edward Community Centre – 375 Picton Main Street (Entrance off of Picton Main Street or MacStevens Drive)
  • Wellington and District Community Centre (111 Belleville Street)
  • Roblin Lake in Ameliasburgh (13 Coleman Street).

Residents can collect up to 10 free saplings from the above locations for planting on their property. Trees will be available on a first come first serve basis and while supplies last. Varieties available will depend on the supplier.

Environmental Expo

Saturday, May 4 from 10 am – 5 pm, Prince Edward Community Centre  (Entrance at 375 Picton Main Street of off of MacStevens Drive)

Bring your questions about climate adaptation, mitigation and environmental protection to experts from local organizations at our expo. Listen to a number of environmental and sustainable workshops on a variety of issues include case studies for transitioning to heat pumps.

Test drive an EV with Plug ‘N Drive and join us for several panels and workshops to learn more about the positive changes you can make at home, the innovations our municipality is undertaking, and hear about some of the big ideas we might be seeing to meet the challenges of climate change.

Garden in a Box Give Away
Hosted by The County Garden Club at the London Avenue Park (26 London Avenue, Picton) on May 5 from 1 pm to 3 pm. Premade garden kits will be provided and collected in the picnic area. Registration can be done through the Prince Edward Learning Centre.

Visit the Sustainability Hub on the County website for more information about these events. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, contact Albert Paschkowiak, Environmental Services and Sustainability Supervisor, at apaschkowiak@pecounty.on.ca or call 613.476.2148 extension 4004.