Calendar
| The 10-day-long Earth Day celebration is winding down, but it’s going out with a BANG of organic food tastings and cooking demonstrations, the State of the Merrimack River address, athletic competitions, an organic and eco-friendly Earth Expo, and more!
There’s something for everyone! Don’t forget to stop by the Institution for Savings–all week long–at both their State Street and Storey Avenue locations, to view Newburyport High School student exhibitions! Email Mary Anne Clancy for more information. |
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Saturday, April 25
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Newburyport South End Clean Up
The Coastal Trails Coalition sponsors a clean-up of a portion of the old City Branch rail corridor that runs through the South End. This section is part of the envisioned Clipper City Rail Trail, a 4.2-mile trail loop through the city on former railroad corridors. A 1.1-mile section of the CCRT from the Merrimack River to the MBTA station is currently under construction. All volunteers are welcome. Wear work clothes including gloves and bring rakes and garden pruners. Meet in front of the People’s United Methodist Church, 64 Purchase Street. Contact: Elizabeth by email or 978-462-1308.
11 a.m. Merrimack River Watershed Council’s State of the Merrimack Address
Come hear about the quality of your beach, drinking water, or neighborhood swimming hole at the 3rd annual MRWC Earth Day Celebration, hosted this year by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. This is the first year it’s held in Newburyport! Activities begin at 11 a.m. with light refreshments served at 1:30 p.m., and special presentations at 2. Families are welcome; this event is free and open to the public. Please meet at the refuge’s visitor’s center, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Contact: Christine Tabak by email or 978-275-0120. This report will be posted here the night before.
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. EarthFest Organic Brunch and Drinks
Organic appetizers and drinks provided by 10 Center Street restaurant and Appledore Cove’s handmade gourmet foods. Meet at Jewett Farms Studio, 58 Merrimac Street, Unit 1, Newburyport. Contact: Elena Bachrack by email or 978-222-3110. Organized by Jewett Farms Studio.
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Parker River Clean Water Association’s Annual Canoe & Kayak Trip
This gorgeous tidal trip begins at the end of RR Avenue in Rowley. We will paddle upstream with the tide, leaving civilization behind as we pass through beautiful salt marshes and changing scenery. Early migratory birds, herons, hawks and waterfowl are often seen in this lovely wilderness section of the Egypt River, named for reeds at the upper reach. This trip is suitable for paddlers and families with some experience. Participants must have their own canoe or kayak. Life jackets are required. Dress weather-appropriate; bring jackets, water, and lunch. Inclement weather or strong wind will cancel. Contact: Marlene by email or 978-462-2511.
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Earth Day Family Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate Mother Earth with your family! Stop by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge visitor’s center, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport to pick up a refuge “Scavenger Hunt” and go out to explore! Bring a completed scavenger hunt back to the visitor center and get a prize. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Contact: Kate Tonriolo by email or 978-463-3545. Organized by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge & Merrimac River Watershed Council.
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. EarthFest Organic Food Tasting and Cooking Demonstration
Organic appetizers and drinks provided by Joppa Fine Foods and Appledore Cove’s handmade gourmet foods. Meet at Jewett Farms Studio, 58 Merrimac Street, Unit 1, Newburyport. Contact: Elena Bachrack by email or 978-222-3110. Organized by Jewett Farms Studio.
Sunday, April 26
10:15 a.m. Blessing of the Earth
Performed by Sally Cook, ordained minister and healer. Meet on top of the root cellar adjacent to Maudslay State Park’s Arts Center (directions). Contact: Linda Guthrie by email. Organized by the Greater Newburyport Eco Collaborative.
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Maudslay Dirty DuEarthlon
Run, bike, and run off-road trails for adults and older kids; participate in a team relay or as an individual. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. adjacent to Maudslay State Park’s Arts Center (directions) or you can register online. There are also obstacle courses for young children. If you don’t want to get sweaty, spectate over food, music, and more! Contacts: Heidi Thompson by email or Andy Hawkes by email. Organized by Heat Training and Lighthouse Events.
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 1st Annual Earth Expo
Over 25 green artisans, eco-friendly retailers and home improvement services, organic food producers, and nonprofit organizations will have tables displaying and selling their work. Held inside the Maudslay State Park’s Arts Center barn (directions). Contact: Ari Herzog by email. Organized by the Greater Newburyport Eco Collaborative.
12 noon - 2 p.m. EarthFest Organic Food Tasting and Cooking Demonstration
Organic appetizers and drinks provided by Not Your Average Joe’s and Appledore Cove’s handmade gourmet foods. Meet at Jewett Farms Studio, 58 Merrimac Street, Unit 1, Newburyport. Contact: Elena Bachrack by email or 978-222-3110. Organized by Jewett Farms Studio.
2:30 p.m. Walk at Old Town Hill Reservation
Bring your family and explore one of Newbury’s jewels. Let the new “Puzzle Trail” game challenge your powers of observation and reward you with family fun and wonderful views. Meet at Trustees of Reservation parking lot, off Newman Road. Recommended: hiking footwear, insect protection, binoculars. Puzzle map provided. Contact: David Powell at 978-463-4338. Organized by volunteers from the Trustees of Reservations’ Old Town Hill Stewardship Committee.
Thursday, April 30
School Community Only: Assembly at the Nock Middle School in Newburyport for grades 7-8 on alternative energy and electric cars, presented by UMass Lowell.