‘It’s easy being green – let King County show you how’ at fun April events

April is packed with family-friendly activities across King County where everyone can learn how easy it is to practice being "green" year 'round.

Whether it's picking up tips for how to use fewer resources around the home, or finding out how you can participate in a local habitat restoration project, there are a number of opportunities for King County residents to learn more about protecting the environment from experts at the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP).

"The events we have planned throughout April are great opportunities to learn more about green and healthy lifestyle practices that are perfect for everyday use – not just on Earth Day," said Theresa Jennings, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks Director.

County experts will provide participants with interactive experiences and hands-on demonstrations on how easy it is to recycle, green-up your ride, volunteer, eat local and make your home and garden greener.

King County experts can be found at the following events:

April 12-13, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Green Festival
Washington State Convention Center, Seattle.

Visit the King County educational pavilion at the Pacific Northwest's premier green festival. Featuring special discounts and incentives for green products, plus tips on connecting to the many resources that King County offers, the pavilion is just one of the 300-plus exhibits scheduled to participate in the event. Ticket prices are $10 to $15. For more program information and to register visit www.greenfestivals.org.

April 19-20; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
IKEA Earth Day
IKEA, Renton

Come by the IKEA store and be sure to visit King County's booth to learn more about techniques, practices and programs that make it easy to be green. This year is full of activities and personalities, including local gardening personality, Ciscoe Morris on Saturday at 2 p.m. This free two day event blends IKEA's gardening day and will host other government agencies, groups and businesses that encourage green practices.

Saturday, April 19, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Make your home and garden green…spring educational events
Treatment Plant Open House—Building a rain garden and tour of nearby gardens
South Treatment Plant, Renton, WA

Rain gardens and wetlands look great and protect the Puget Sound from the harmful effects of stormwater run-off. Learn simple, design and maintenance techniques that result in great looking gardens year-round while protecting the health of your household and the Puget Sound environment. Tour King County’s Waterworks Gardens wetland stormwater treatment park and a nearby demonstration rain garden. Treatment plant tours will also be offered. Call 206-296-8361 for more information.

Saturday, April 19, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Carkeek Park Treatment Plant Earth Day Tours
King County’s treatment plants help clean dirty water and prevent combined sewer overflows. Tour Carkeek treatment plant and learn about the people, facilities and pipes that work in your neighborhood 24 hours a day to protect the Puget Sound. Learn easy ways of disposing of trash, buying household products and conserving water that will protect your sewer system and our environment. Call 206-263-6029 for more information.

Tuesday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
King County Fifth-Annual Earth Day Expo
Westlake Park, Seattle

Celebrate Earth Day with the whole family and learn how "It's easy being green." The expo will also feature activities and educational opportunities for both adults and children, including an appearance by Bert the Salmon, King County's environmental mascot, children's activity corner and more. Admission is free.

Wednesday, April 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
University of Washington Earth Week Fair
Husky Student Union Building (HUB) Lawn, UW Seattle Campus

Stop by King County's booth at the University of Washington's Earth Week Fair and visit with a dedicated group of students, businesses and government agencies to learn more about practices and products that protect the environment. Admission is free.

Additional family events and upcoming restoration opportunities can be found in King County's Spring Into Action brochure. To download a copy visit, http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/stewardship/nw-yard-and-garden/spring-into-action.aspx.

Related Information:

Department of Natural Resources and Parks

Earth Day

GreenFestival (External link)