Sunday Marks the 48th Anniversary of Earth Day
PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is encouraging Rhode Islanders to get outdoors and get active this weekend for Earth Day. Community cleanups are scheduled around the state, and plentiful recreational opportunities will be offered.
"Earth Day is a great motivation to get out in nature and explore Rhode Island's tremendous natural resources while taking steps to help preserve them," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Rolling up your sleeves and getting involved in a community cleanup project to help beautify local neighborhoods and recreational areas fosters a sense of belonging and is a wonderful way for people to practice environmental stewardship. As Rhode Islanders, we're fortunate to have an abundance of easily accessible parks, beaches, management areas, and bike paths where families can picnic, walk, bike, fish, or just enjoy the natural beauty. Getting out in nature is good for body and soul!"
HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN EARTH DAY
• Visit a park! Rhode Island joined states across the country this week to mark National Park Week, which is celebrated from April 21 – 29. Rhode Island is home to two national parks: Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and Roger Williams National Memorial. With 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island also is home to a vast network of beaches and waterfront recreational opportunities, including seven state beaches and 13 historic parks. And there are more than 40,000 acres of rural forestland available for the public's enjoyment.
• Go camping! Burlingame, Charlestown Breachway, Fishermen's Memorial, and George Washington Memorial State Campgrounds are open for the season, and offer a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the South County and northern Rhode Island countryside. Reservations may be made online at www.riparks.com, and through a toll-free reservations line, 1-877-RICAMP5.
• Go fishing! For freshwater anglers, DEM recently restocked many popular waterways across Rhode Island with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. For the first time, hatchery-raised tiger trout, a hybrid of a brown and brook trout that provide an exciting angling experience, can be found at: Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown; Upper Melville Pond, Portsmouth; Shippee Sawmill Pond, Foster; and Barber Pond, South Kingstown. For updated daily stocking information visit DEM on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or call the Division of Fish & Wildlife at 789-0281. And right now, saltwater anglers are reeling in winter flounder and tautog. Keep an eye out for stripers, because they can show up at any time!
• Go for a bike ride! The Blackstone River Bikeway and East Bay Bike Path, among others, offer premier biking experiences in Rhode Island.
• Explore Rhode Island's blueways and greenways! Rhode Island is home to more than 400 miles of hiking trails and abundant fresh- and saltwater paddling opportunities.
• Join a community cleanup! Help beautify local neighborhoods and recreation areas by getting involved in a community cleanup project. Earth Day events are occurring across Rhode Island; find one in your community. Cleanups are slated at Salty Brine State Beach on April 21; and at Misquamicut State Beach on April 22 and April 28.
• Raise your environmental IQ! Explore easy ways you can contribute to a healthier planet: conserve water and energy, reduce waste, and support local farms and conservation efforts.
Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has served as a yearly catalyst for ongoing environmental education, action, and change. Activities surrounding the day are focused on broadening public involvement in protecting natural resources and promoting a healthier environment for future generations. For more information on Earth Day, visit www.epa.gov.
Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for more information on recreational opportunities in Rhode Island as well as other timely updates.