Aquidneck Island Earth Week returns April 16-25 with dozens of family-friendly events, including games, concerts, cleanups and contests.
Sara Poirier, the organization’s director, said during the last four months, partners have been collaborating on ideas for environmentally-themed programs and activities.
One of the goals of Aquindeck Island Earth Week is to strengthen the network of organizations working on issues related to the environment, conservation and sustainability. Partners include schools, non-profits, town committees and local businesses.
By coming together to offer a full week of programming, they aim to amplify each other’s efforts, increase engagement around environmental issues, and serve as an example for other communities.
“We hope to inspire Aquidneck Islanders to care and take action for the environment,” Poirier said. “The scale of AIEW is important. It demonstrates that we can work together as a community to take care of the things that we love. This is critical for people to feel hopeful about the future. ”
Here are seven can’t miss events that will take place during Aquidneck Island Earth Week. Find the full schedule and how to register at aquidneckearthweek.com/events.
Earth Week bingo
Kids can participate in Earth-friendly activities during the week, and those who cross out five squares can earn a sweet treat from Frosty Freez. Learn more and find printable activity sheets at aquidneckearthweek.com/schools.
Planting their roots
Middletown Public Library
April 16-24
The Children’s Room at the Middletown Public Library, in partnership with the Middletown Tree Commission, will give away red maple seedlings and an arts and craft activity on a first-come, first-served basis to all interested children during the week. This will also include information on the proper tree planting and mulching process.
Water bottle giveaway
Conexcion Latina Newport
Tuesday, April 19, 3-5 pm
Greenlove and Conexion Latina welcome the Hispanic / Latino community to receive a free reusable water bottle. Additionally, information on the negative impact of single-use plastic bottles will be provided.
The goal is to encourage Hispanic / Latino residents to participate in AIEW’s activities and invite them to join the city of Newport and AIEW’s goal of creating a sustainable and healthier environment for our island and the Earth. The reusable 24 oz. bottles, gifted by Greenlove, are BPA-free made in the USA.
NewportFILM presents: ‘Last of the Right Whales’
Newport Vineyards
Tuesday, April 19, 7-9 pm
North Atlantic right whales are dying faster than they can reproduce. With just over 330 remaining, these great whales rarely die of natural causes. Instead they are run over by ships or suffer lethal injuries from fishing gear.
RSVP is required for entry. Visit newportfilm.com/films/last-of-the-right-whales to reserve your spot.
Nature Night Sounds Hike
Norman Bird Sanctuary
Thursday, April 21, 7: 30-8: 30 pm
What’s that sound?
Find out about the creatures who wake up as the sun sets and create a symphony of nighttime clicks, croaks, trills, howls, and more. After learning how to differentiate between the nocturnal sounds of frogs and birds, insects, and bats, participants will head out on the trails for an evening hike in the dark. Bring all of your wildlife questions and a sense of adventure.
Register at eventbrite.com/e/nature-night-sounds-tickets-300094870837. In the event of inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled for April 22.
Cars & Coffee – the EV edition
Innovate Newport
Saturday, April 23, 8-10 am
Are you curious about electric vehicles? Want to check out different models? Do you have questions for owners about what it’s like to own and maintain an EV?
Innovate Newport in partnership with the Green Energy Consumers Alliance present Cars & Coffee, the EV edition. Join industry representatives and car owners in the north parking lot of Innovate Newport.
EVs will include cars like the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model X, and Chevy Bolt. Recharge with complimentary coffee courtesy of Simple Merchant Coffee. The rain date is Saturday, April 30.
Earth Week Extravaganza with Bill Harley
Norman Bird Sanctuary
Saturday, April 23, 4-6 pm
Bring your family, friends and comfortable seating for a special performance by Grammy-winning storyteller and musician Bill Harley.
Adults and children are invited to celebrate the earth with Bill Harley’s engaging musical performance, as well as nature crafts and guided discovery hikes on the trails with Norman Bird Sanctuary educators.
The Earth Week Extravaganza will also feature a soil testing station. A Master Gardner from the University of Rhode Island will be on site to answer any garden related questions and to test the earth found in your own garden.
Don’t forget to bring some soil from home to take an up-close and personal peek of our world on a microscopic level, and explore just how much life depends on dirt.
Register at eventbrite.com/e/earth-week-extravaganza-with-bill-harley-tickets-300106575847
