ATHOL — Scientists believe Earth is 4.55 billion years old, according to “Scientific American.”
And the people associated with the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust want to do their best to ensure the planet they love lasts a while longer.
They plan to celebrate Earth Day by hosting volunteer opportunities throughout the region on April 21 and 22. Land Stewardship Director Jay Rasku said this is a chance for people to give back to the Earth.
“Earth Day is a time where we get a chance to stop and realize what’s really important,” he said. “No matter where you are on the political spectrum, I think we all care about clean air, clean water, healthy food.”
Earth Day is April 22.
Rasku said volunteer projects will include trail maintenance, trash removal, improving a garden at Dexter Park School and Quabbin Harvest in Orange, planting a pollinator garden at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, and splitting and stacking wood to replenish the Athol Wood Bank, which he said offers free or reduced price cord wood to those in need.
Volunteers can also sign up to join Mount Grace’s Stewardship Crew to learn how to steward and monitor a conservation property or hiking trail.
Four volunteer shifts are available: Friday: 9:30 a.m. to noon; Friday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday: 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. The event will focus on Skyfields Arboretum, Mount Grace’s headquarters, at 1461 Old Keene Road in Athol.
Other projects will take place in Orange, Northfield, Gardner, and South Athol. Beverages and snacks will be provided. A full description of projects and locations is at http://www.mountgrace.org/earth-day-2017
Rasku said the land trust’s mission resonates with Franklin County residents, who rely on clean water and air for the organic and farm-to-table food they enjoy.
“We’re really lucky to be living in this region,” he said.
You can reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 258.
On Twitter: @DomenicPoli