6 fun Earth Day events in NH

Since it began 54 years ago, Earth Day has become more and more of an important occasion that is meant to be fun, but also to give people information and education about the environment.

Here are a few Earth Day events happening in New Hampshire this weekend.

The grandmother of all New Hampshire Earth Day celebrations in the state is Discover WILD New Hampshire Day at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s headquarters on 11 Hazen Dr., Concord on April 20 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For the past 20 years, the family event has drawn thousands of visitors. There are exhibits from New Hampshire environmental and conservation organizations, crafts for kids, and live animals including big fish, trained falcons, and retriever dogs. Visitors can also try archery, casting, fly-tying, and B-B gun shooting and the latest hunting and fishing gear and gadgets.

NH Audubon Society Earth Day Celebration will be held Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Massabesic Center,  26 Audubon Way, Auburn. Activities include amphibian exploration, a wildlife photography tour, a raptor encounter, a caterpillar lab, a trash-match table, composting demonstrations, an upcycled crafts table, questions for master gardeners, seed giveaways, and afternoon nature hike to name a few. There will also be a gourmet food truck and the Audubon Nature Shop will be open. Registration is recommended. Cost: $10 for a family of 4 (members), $15 for a family of 4 (non-members). The first 125 families that register can participate in nest box building.

The Monadnock Region Earth Festival, downtown Keene, Saturday, April 20, from noon to 4 p.m. celebrates the region’s commitment to “sustainability, healthy communities, and preserving and sustaining the planet, which is increasingly threatened by climate change, according to the organizing committee.” There will be live performances by local bands, electric vehicle information, over 70 local vendors, Earth Fest film screenings, a rain stick craft, and a barbecue from noon to 4 p.m.

The Nashua Sustainability Fair, on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Nashua Public Library Plaza, 2 Court St., Nashua is a free event focusing on community sustainability projects, practices, and 20 organizations. Activities will include an electric vehicle showcase, tours of the Jackson Falls Dam, free seeds from the NPL’s Seed Library, food trucks with vegan options, live music, and guest speakers.

The Gilmanton Earth Day Event will take place Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Gilmanton Year-Round Library, 1385 NH Rte. 140, Gilmanton. The Gilmanton Energy Committee is sponsoring this event to provide information on ways to improve overall energy efficiency, help the environment, and lower energy costs by driving electric cars, installing solar roof panels, and installing solar batteries in the home. Speakers and experts will be available to answer questions and give out information.

Earth Day at Jaffrey Women’s Club, 33 Main St., Jaffrey, Saturday, April 20, 10:30 a.m. Activities include resource tables, creating oceans in a bottle, assembling mason-jar terrariums, ring-toss games with Earth Day prizes, crossword puzzles and coloring with Earth Day themes. The event is free and open to the public.