Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 that supports environmental protection. There are a variety of events around the Greater Houston area in honor of Earth Day this weekend. Here are a few to consider adding to your calendar.
1.Ladybug Releases-April 21
Students from Xplor Preschool of Rhodes and Xplor Preschool of West Rayford in Spring will celebrate Earth Day by releasing thousands of ladybugs throughout the schoolyard and back into the environment on plants, flowers and trees. Following the release, students at Xplor Preschool of Rhodes will create art projects and a mural of the earth while using recyclable materials. Students at Xplor Preschool of West Rayford will participate in a fashion show featuring outfits they made out of recyclable materials, such as paper bowls and tin cans. 10:15 a.m. (Xplor Preschool of West Rayford ladybug release), 10:30 a.m. (Xplor Preschool of Rhodes ladybug release), 4:30 p.m. (Xplor Preschool of West Rayford recycled art fashion show). Xplor Preschool of Rhodes, 21401 Rhodes Road, Spring. Xplor Preschool of West Rayford, 8615 West Rayford Road, Spring.
2. Earth Day at Exploration Green-April 22
Exploration Green will host an Earth Day event this Saturday featuring children's activities and games, six miles of walking and biking trails and environmental and earth-science exhibitors and workshops. Free hot dogs will also be given out at the event. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Exploration Green, 1800 Reseda Drive, Houston.
www.explorationgreen.org
3. Earth Day on the Avenida-April 22
This Earth Day celebration at Discovery Green will feature a live performance of Squonk's Pneumatica, a music-powered inflatable kinetic 35-foot tall sculpture and art and science activities. The Flea by Night artisan eco-friendly market will also be available during the celebration. 5-10 p.m. Free. Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St., Houston.
www.discoverygreen.com
4. Houston Zoo Family Nature Club-April 22
The Houston Zoo is partnering with Bayou City Play, Nature Discovery Center and Houston Wilderness to organize monthly pop-up playgrounds through May. The Zoo's Family Nature Club facilitates exploration of Houston's outdoors and Bayou City Play will be at each site with loose parts to make child-directed play accessible to all. The event on April 22 will be held at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center as part of the center's Earth Day celebration. 10 a.m.-noon Free. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. 713-682-8433.
www.houstonarboretum.org