Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival 2016
Join us for The Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival, an afternoon of celebrating the Earth through entertainment, education, exploration, and fun!
Parking can be limited at the event so visitors are strongly encouraged to “go green” and carpool, bus, bike, or walk to the festival. Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition will be offering a free bike corral to those that ride in and the AATA Route 2 stops at Plymouth Rd., only a short walk from the event. Details on the bus route can be found on the AATA website here.
About The Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival
The Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival is an annual celebration coordinated by the Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival Planning Committee, a coalition of local environmental nonprofits and agencies, and held at Leslie Science & Nature Center.
This free, family-friendly event features displays from 40 local environmental, nonprofit, and governmental organizations; live animal demonstrations; hands-on activities; live entertainment; green building & commuting technologies; energy topics; water awareness; sustainable agriculture; and more.
New this year to the festival are the Earth Day Learning Presentations, which will be featured in the Nature House every half hour beginning at 12:30. Topics like aquaponics, investing sustainably, and energy efficiency will be covered. Check below for a detailed schedule.
In the true spirit of Earth Day, this festival will again be a Zero Waste event, with the help from Recycle Ann Arbor and their grant from the Ann Arbor Area Community foundation. Visitors can help keep up the average of 90% waste diverted from landfills during the Earth Day Event by bringing their reusable water bottle, and putting their waste in the right receptacles.
Ann Arbor’s Earth Day Festival is a free event thanks to local donors and sponsors
Entertainment at the Festival
12:30-1:30 – Dede Adler
Skilled in the art of vibraphone, tambourine, drum kit, frame drum, snare drum, and word smithery, Dede is a versatile performer that can wear many hats and often does!
2:00pm – All Species Parade
Prance, preen, or frolic as your favorite flora or fauna to celebrate our 45th Annual Earth Day Festival! Children of all ages are encouraged to dress up and bring instruments as we wind through the LSNC property.
2:30-3:30 Joe Reilly
Joe Reilly is a singer, songwriter, and educator from Ann Arbor who writes songs from his heart. Joe’s songs are playful, clever, engaging, joyful, and always have something meaningful to say. The core of his message is an invitation to heal our relationships with ourselves, with each other, and with the earth.
Earth Day Learning Presentations
This year we opened the Nature House to allow individuals and organizations to present on a variety of sustainability topics, in hopes that attendees can make every day Earth Day. All presentations will be held in the Nature House, with an opportunity for discussion and conversation after each program.
12:30 pm Hats Off to Deep Organic Gardening
1:00 pm Exploring Aquaponics
1:30 pm Current Issues for Conservation-Minded Voters
2:00 pm Tips on Investing for Sustainability
2:30 pm Energy Efficiency in Your Home
3:00 pm Storytime: Reading about Rain Gardens
Other Ongoing Events:
- Birds of prey orientations
- Dynamic and engaging live-animal presentations with LSNC’s critters
- Naturalist-led hikes through Black Pond Woods
Exhibitors at the Festival
We will be joined by a variety of non-profits, sharing information and fun activities that help us celebrate our earth!
City of Ann Arbor Energy Office
Scio Residents for Safe Water
Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office
City of Ann Arbor Solid Waste Department
Growing Hope
Veterans For Peace Chapter 93
Recycle Ann Arbor
Leslie Science & Nature Center
City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Office
Huron River Watershed Council
Ann Arbor Water Resources
Apple Playschools
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation
Ann Arbor District Library
AAATA/TheRide
Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum
Ecology Center
Appropriate Technologies
Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association
Check back soon for other exhibitors!
Food Vendors at the Festival
We will have a variety of delicious foods and drinks for all to enjoy. All vendors are supporting Recycle Ann Arbor’s Zero Waste Food Policy, so you can enjoy them (mostly) guilt free!
Shimmy Shack– Vegetarian and vegan friendly burger, fries, shakes, and even nachos.
Hero or Villain-Meat-loving, gluten free, and vegetarian friendly sandwiches for all.
BearClaw Coffee -Whether it’s sunny and 70 or rainy and cold, BearClaw will have you covered for drinks with smoothies, hot chocolate, and even (you guessed it) coffee
