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Earth Day Celebration and Earth Is Our Home Activities

OSU Extension is celebrating Earth Day this year with SENR’s Sustainability Institute by offering a collection of six 4-H Earth Is Our Home Activities. Ohio 4-H members and others are encouraged to try these activities anytime on their own, in their clubs, and in school. They’re guaranteed to spark interest and create exciting learning opportunities. Many thanks to 4-H colleagues and authors Erin Dailey, Rachael Fraley, Kristy Watters, Travis West, Jo Williams, and Tracy Winters. The ice core activity is from the 4-H project book Exploring Polar Science; so thanks to authors Molly Hunt and Jason Cervenec of the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center too. Feel free to share these resources widely: go.osu.edu/4hearthday.

For 4-H professionals: You may have 4-H members and families inquiring about Earth Day activities with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. ODNR is looking to partner with 4-H youth and clubs the weekend of April 22-24 at selected Ohio state parks. Ohio 4-H members can submit proposals to share demonstrations, project work, and programs focused on Earth Day appropriate activities. This is a great opportunity to showcase what 4-H is all about! Clubs and members can find participating parks and apply to present here. Selected projects will be recognized at ODNR’s Natural Resources Park at this year’s Ohio State Fair.

The Sustainability Institute is hosting Time to Act on Climate Change at the Ohio Union on April 20 at 6 p.m. This signature Earth Day celebration is a 90-minute program that is open to the public and will be livestreamed to a virtual audience. It is a unique opportunity to hear Sophia Buggs (owner, Lady Buggs Farm, and Mahoning food access coordinator), Jennifer Morris (chief executive officer, The Nature Conservancy, virtual remarks), and Kristina M. Johnson, PhD (president, The Ohio State University), along with several Ohio State leaders, discuss how to turn the stark reality of climate change into tangible solutions. Registration is not required.