LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) — Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Department hosts its second annual ‘Week of Green’ learning celebration at the end of April.
Reduce, Reuse, and Renew at the Market
Festivities will begin on Saturday, April 22nd at the Community Market. Environmental activist organizations around Lynchburg will teach everyone how we can work together to make a positive impact on the Earth.
College Hill Water Treatment Plant Tour
Learn more about the process and the work it takes to keep clean water flowing throughout the town by visiting the College Hill Water Treatment Plant. There will be a tour on Monday, April 24th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The tour is free, but attendees are asked to register by April 20th through their website. Closed-toed shoes are required.
Water Resource Recovery Facility Tour
Learn about what happens to the water after you flush a toilet or wash the dishes. Tour the Lynchburg Regional Water Resource Recovery Facility on Tuesday, April 25th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to learn about the complexity of the wastewater treatment process. Attendees will get to look inside the certified testing laboratory and view Lynchburg’s new million-gallon holding tank. The tour is free, but attendees are asked to register by April 23rd through their website. Closed-toed shoes are required.
Fish Art Printing (Gyotaku)
Visit the Miller Center on Wednesday, April 26th, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for a hands-on experience of Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese method of printing fish. Typically, painters would catch a fish, apply ink to one side, and cover it with rice paper. This technique creates transfers an exact image of the fish onto the rice paper. This event will take the hard part out of the process. Instead of using real fish, attendees will use rubber replicas. Tickets are $7 for Lynchburg residents and $9 for non-residents. Register online by April 24th through their website.
Rain Barrel Workshop
Collecting rainwater from your roof helps the environment and saves you money on your water bill! Stored rainwater can be used to water your plants or lawn on hot summer days. During this workshop at the Miller Center on April 27th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., you’ll get hands-on experience building a rain barrel, and learn how to maintain it. The workshop itself is free, but barrels can be purchased on-site for $50, payable on the day of the class. Register online by April 24th through their website.
Please contact staff at least two days prior to the program if interested in purchasing a rain barrel at natureoutdoors@lynchburgva.gov or 434-455-5828.
Invasive Flora Hike
Join fellow nature lovers for a hike around Ivy Creek Park on Saturday, April 29th from noon until 12:45 p.m. Professionals will teach attendees how to identify common invasive species in the region and the dangers they pose to our parks.
Solar Energy Saturday
The ‘Week of Green’ will end with an outdoor celebration filled with fun, food, games, education, and more, at Ivy Creek Park Cabin from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Soley, the Earth Right Mid-Atlantic mascot will be attending! Learn about Solar Energy through an interactive exhibit and hands-on activities. Attendees will be able to help Lynchburg Water Resources decorate a storm drain for their ArtStorm initiative. Advanced registration is appreciated, but not required. Those who register in advance through their website will be entered into a solar-themed raffle prize.
While Lynchburg annually celebrates a ‘Week of Green,’ every week can be a “green” week if we continue to learn and grow through these programs and activities.
