5 Ways to Celebrate the Earth

Arbor Day is April 29. Here are five ways to celebrate the earth and to make the world a little greener, in your backyard and beyond. 

1. Grafton Land Trust works to preserve open space in  town and to encourage adults and children to enjoy the great outdoors. On May 1 at 1 p.m. they will host the third annual Quinsigamond River Canoe and Kayak Adventure. Meet at Ekblaw Landing , Route 122, at 1 p.m. with your boat and explore the treasures of the river. Call  508-887-0065 to register. For more information, visit graftonland.org. 

2. The Community Harvest Project brings together volunteers , individuals, families, school, church and civic groups, school, to grow healthy vegetables on their farm at , 37 Wheeler Road, Grafton. By volunteering there, you can provide fresh, healthy food to the Worcester County Food Bank. For more information, visit www.community-harvest.org/vol.shtml.

3. Grafton's Energy Study Committee consults and advises all departments in town government with the goal of reducing energy use and cost. Their Web site features lots of energy-saving information and links. Visit them at www.vmrintl.com/gesc/gec_main.html.

4. Broad Meadow Brook is hosting an Earth Day open house and drop-in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester. Participants can learn about earth-friendly landscaping and lawn care and order a rain barrel. Admission for adults is $4 for Massachusetts Audubon Society members and $6 for non-members; children are $3 for members and $5 for non-members. For more information, visit www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Broad_Meadow.

5. Planting a tree is one of the greenest things you can do. Trees can reduce energy costs, increase property values, add privacy and serve as a sound barrier. But what trees are the best to plant, and where should they be planted? The official Arbor Day Foundation Web site features an array of tips. Check it out  at www.arborday.org/arborday.