| Cover Story - Friday, April 20, 2012
Palo Alto area to celebrate Earth Day
Events range from film festival to garden tours
Several cities and nonprofit organizations are hosting nature and conservation activities this week and next in honor of Earth Day, April 22.
Friday, April 20
Clean Green Street Scene
4-7 p.m. at Lytton Plaza (corner of University Avenue and Emerson Street, Palo Alto)
The Downtown Business and Professional Association is hosting this event, which will feature an art walk of artwork by school children displayed at merchants throughout downtown; informational booths; demonstrations; test rides on electric bicycles; giveaways including Seventh Generation products. Participants include SunPower, Lyfe Kitchen, LiveGreene, PA Bikes, EMW, Canopy, Green Citizen, Drive Less Challenge and more. Information at 650-223-4334.
Saturday, April 21
Earth Day Celebration at the Los Altos History Museum
Noon-4 p.m. at 51 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos
Cost: Free
Participants can experience the exhibition, "Shaped by Water: Past, Present & Future" and pick up educational materials about conserving and caring for our water resources. Children can play in the play river by Riveropolis creator. More information is at losaltoshistory.org.
EcoHome Ribbon Cutting
2-4 p.m. behind Lucie Stern Community Center (next to the Girl Scout House), 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
Unique demonstration home filled with the latest efficient, sustainable and conserving technologies will be on view. Dozens of innovative ideas will be on display including blue-jeans insulation, recycled-glass countertops and clover-leaf solar panels. Signs will provide details about actions, costs and savings. "Ugly Lighting" contest winners will be announced. The EcoHome will continue to be available throughout the year for guided tours. Information at www.cityofpaloalto.org.
Sunday, April 22
Mary Davey plaque dedication
10:30 a.m. at entrance to Byrne Preserve (off of 27210 Altamont Road, Los Altos Hills)
Dedication of plaque in honor of the late environmental leader and activist for social causes, Mary Davey.
Earth Day Celebration & Water Lilies Reception
11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, 2775 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto
Cost: Free
The City of Palo Alto Earth Day event features a mini environmental fair; the debut of environmental artist Judith Selby Lang's "Water Lilies," her latest work for the Art Center's On the Road program; art and science activities, including hands-on crafts, Baylands critters and more; and tours of the Regional Water Quality Control Plant at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Information at the www.cityofpaloalto.org.
Earth Day Peace and Social Justice Fair
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1140 Cowper St., Palo Alto
Cost: Free
Fair-goers will find ideas for reducing their carbon footprint; learn about social justice and peacemaking organizations; shop for goods from organizations doing good in the world, and enjoy free snacks and beverages from locally grown food suppliers. Available for purchase will be toys, crafts, books, art, music, DVDs, games, puzzles, jewelry, decorations. Sponsored by: Peninsula Peace and Justice Center and First Presbyterian. More information available at 650-326-8837 and www.fprespa.org.
Los Altos Hills Earth Day Celebration
1-4 p.m. at Westwind Community Barn, 27210 Altamont Road, Los Altos Hills
Cost: Free
Presentations of wild cats are scheduled for 1:30 and 3 p.m. In addition to exhibits by Los Altos Hills committees, environmental organizations and school groups, electric cars will be on display. More information is available by calling Sarah Gualtieri at 650-947-2518 or emailing sgualtieri@losaltoshills.ca.gov or visiting www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/ (click on "Community Calendar").
Drive Less Challenge
April 22 through May 5
Cost: Free
The online Drive Less Challenge encourages people to try convenient, earth-friendly alternatives to car trips. Participants share stories, track their efforts and compete for prizes from local businesses. People can join as an individual or with a group. More information at www.drivelesschallenge.com.
Tuesday, April 24
Addison School Safe Routes to School Walk 'n' Roll Map
6:30 p.m. at Addison Elementary School Multipurpose Room, 650 Addison Ave., Palo Alto
Cost: Free
The City hosted a Walking Survey of Addison School on March 20. This community meeting will include a presentation on the findings of the walking survey and the proposed Walk 'n' Roll map for Addison School.
Saturday, April 28
Migration Bird Walk
9-10:30 a.m. at SF2 trail parking area on the west side of the Dumbarton Bridge, Menlo Park
Cost: Free
The wetlands are an important stop on the Pacific Flyway, a major bird migration route. Docent Laurel Stell will explain why the birds migrate, why they stop along the San Francisco Bay and how people can spot the birds in action. Trail is easy and level. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at the SF2 trail parking area on the west side of the Dumbarton Bridge. Presented by Don Edwards SF Bay NWR, South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. Information and directions at 510-792-0222, ext. 139, and www.southbayrestoration.org
Sunday, April 29
Bay-Friendly Garden Tour
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $10
Regional, self-guided Bay-Friendly Garden Tour explores private residential gardens. Palo Alto will have 10 gardens on the tour. The host gardens represent many different styles — urban homesteads with orchards, chickens and bees; greywater installations by local experts; and drought-tolerant replacements for water-thirsty lawns. The host gardeners themselves are a diverse group that includes permaculturists, native-plant enthusiasts, wildlife gardeners, do-it-yourselfers and landscape professionals. All will be available to talk about their accomplishments and challenges. Registration at www.bayfriendlycoalition.org
— Palo Alto Weekly staff | 
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