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Celebrate Earth Day the Rockville Way

Earth Day is Thursday, April 22, and Rockville is celebrating with events all spring long, including the following free or low-cost activities that promote getting outside and helping nature.

All in-person events require participants to wear a face covering and practice social distancing of at least 6 feet. Activities marked SSL are eligible for Student Service Learning hours. Follow the links for more information or register for the following activities at www.rockvillemd.gov/registration using the course numbers where indicated:

March 6: Weed Warrior Workday at Woottons Mill Park, 2-4 p.m. SSL
Join Rockville Weed Warrior Leaders for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday. Registration required at www.rockvillemd.gov/weedwarriors.

March 6: Nature to Go Mini Kits, Pick up kits 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Interested in doing seasonal nature and science activities with your child but don’t have the time to figure it out? Let Croydon Creek Nature Center do it for you! Register by selecting “View Programs” at www.rockvillemd.gov/croydoncreek.

March 14: Crafternoons from Croydon (Facebook Live), 3-3:30 p.m.
Learn how to make crafts from recycled and common items you likely have around the house during this virtual crafting session. Like Croydon Creek Nature Center on Facebook to participate on Facebook Live.

March 18: How to Maintain a Healthy, Organic Lawn (Virtual), 7-8 p.m.
Learn how to maintain an organic lawn without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, understand soil health, and discuss organic soil amendments with Mary Travaglini of the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. Register at bit.ly/healthyorganiclawn.

March 20: Trail Cleanup at Croydon Creek Nature Center, 9 a.m.-noon. SSL
Help improve your community and the environment by cleaning up in the Hayes Forest Preserve. Register by selecting “View Programs” at www.rockvillemd.gov/croydoncreek.

March 21: Weed Warrior Workday at Twinbrook Park, 2-4 p.m. SSL
Join Rockville Weed Warrior Leaders for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday. Registration required at www.rockvillemd.gov/weedwarriors.

March 22: Proclamation.
The Mayor and Council will issue a proclamation recognizing Earth Hour and Earth Day in Rockville.

March 27: Ask A Naturalist (Facebook Live), 10-10:30 a.m.
Looking for answers about something you saw in nature? Like Croydon Creek Nature Center on Facebook to participate on Facebook Live.

April 3: Critter Tales at Croydon Creek, 10 a.m. on Facebook Live.
Join Croydon Creek on Facebook Live for a story and an introduction to something special in nature. Watch at facebook.com/croydoncreek.

April 3: Weed Warrior Workday at Mt. Vernon Park, 2-4 p.m. SSL
Join Rockville Weed Warrior Leaders for a non-native, invasive plant removal workday. Registration required at www.rockvillemd.gov/weedwarriors.

April 10: 33rd Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup, 9 a.m.-noon at Croydon Creek Nature Center, 852 Avery Road. SSL
Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Spaces are limited. Cleanups at Twinbrook Community Recreation Center and Maryvale Park are full. For more information and to register, use course #19000 and select “Trail Clean Up.”

April 11: Exploring Vernal Pools, 2-4 p.m. at Croydon Creek Nature Center.
Discover what makes a vernal pool and who lives in one. Hike off the beaten path to see the best vernal pools in the Hayes Forest Preserve. Wear hiking shoes and a mask and dress for the weather for this outdoor program. Ages 8-12. Course #18452. $8 R/$10 NR.

Wednesdays, April 14-May 26: Outdoor Nature Club, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Croydon Creek Nature Center.
Spend an hour outdoors investigating and learning about nature while roaming the forest preserve with two experienced naturalists. Dress for the weather and wear a mask. Meets every other week for four sessions. Ages 6-8. Course #18453. Cost $40 R/$50 NR for four sessions.

April 17 and 24: Little Explorers, 10-11 a.m. at Croydon Creek Nature Center.
Go on hiking adventures with naturalists, play games and discover the fun that can be had outdoors. Spaces are limited. Dress for the weather and wear a mask. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 2-5. Course #18458. $8 R/$10 NR.

April 24: Drug Take-Back, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Rockville City Police Station parking lot, 2 W. Montgomery Ave.

April 25: City Nature Challenge: iNaturalist Training, 2-3 p.m. at Croydon Creek Nature Center.
The City Nature Challenge, April 30-May 3, is a friendly worldwide competition among metropolitan areas to spot and identify wildlife. Learn how to use the iNaturalist app to participate in this bio blitz at a free training for ages 12 and up from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, April 25 at Croydon Creek Nature Center. Download the app before April 25. Registration is required using course #18455. Learn more at citynaturechallengedc.org and in late April on Croydon Creek Nature Center’s Facebook page.

Ongoing: CleanUp Rockville (Virtual Volunteer Opportunity) SSL
Volunteer to complete a self-guided litter cleanup to help keep Rockville trash free. Register with course #18457. Instructions will be provided during checkout with details on how to complete SSL hours.

Participants can choose one of Rockville’s 67 parks or stream valleys to clean and must provide their own equipment. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. All children and adults taking part must register. Montgomery County health guidelines must be followed.

Ongoing: Take the Plogging Pledge.
Plogging is picking up litter while you walk, jog or run. Pledge to plog in Rockville and receive a free plogging bag, while supplies last. Visit www.rockvillemd.gov/environment to take the pledge.

Croydon Creek Nature Center Offers Virtual Programs Throughout the Year
Looking for more to do both outside and virtually? Find it at Croydon Creek Nature Center. Learn more at www.rockvillemd.gov/croydoncreek.

Read May’s “Rockville Reports” for more events. Sign up to receive the city’s Environment and Sustainability quarterly newsletter to get the latest updates on environmental news and programs during Earth Month and throughout the year. Visit www.rockvillemd.gov/newsletters and select “Environment and Sustainability.”

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