Jarrett Nature Center Celebrates (Belated) Earth Day

Geocaching, face-painting and stream water testing were only a few of the activities at the Jarrett Nature Center’s ninth Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, where visitors learned about environmental stewardship and the plants and critters they can find in their own backyards.

The center, which is outdoor classroom, is a multi-habitat area that also serves as a neighborhood resource.

“Just being here, seeing all these things, gives you more ideas on how to expand and reach the community,” said the center’s coordinator Kathleen Gipson.

At the three-dimensional enviroscape table, Margaret Laurich of the Park Creek Watershed Association demonstrated the effects of everyday waste on waterways. Items like coffee and cinnamon mimicked dirt and pollution and visitors used spray bottles to ‘rain’ on the enviroscape model and observe the runoff pollution.

She offered tips, advising people not to wash their cars on impermeable surfaces like concrete.

“Wash your car on grass," she said. "The water will filter into the lawn."

Manjusri Kavuru, whose daughter Rathura had a butterfly painted on her face at the celebration, said, “the kids are having lots of fun. We appreciate the organizers of this event."

The local 611 Metals Recycling company collected electronic recyclables like cell phones and about 500 pounds of computers in the nearby high school parking lot.

The center plans to build a boardwalk over its wetlands which could be finished as soon as this summer.

“It’s just a wonderful place and I love being a part of it,” said volunteer Kim Rubenstein.