Earth Day Celebration Set for May 21

This year’s Village of Ridgefield Park’s Earth Day celebration is set for Saturday May 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Riverfront Park, located behind The Department of Public Works building at 24 Industrial Avenue.

Hosted by the Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission and Green Team, the day starts off with multiple Interactive Shows featuring lessons on different animal species and scientific demonstrations.  

The fun continues with boat rides from the  Riverkeeper along the Hackensack River, all-day music provided by Mark Rust, face painting and a Green Fair featuring local artisans, environmental exhibits and demonstrations throughout the day. The Ridgefield Park Public Library will have a pollinator table, and Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School student Gianna Terrarosa will have a table encouraging residents to plant native plants to support her Girl Scout Gold Award project, 'Just One Plant', and participate in our town's Monarch Butterfly Pledge. In addition to these activities, the Hudson River Fisherman’s Association will be on hand to help those who would like to fish on the Hackensack River with a catch and release program. The association will be providing fishing equipment for those who don’t have their own fishing gear, and the Board of Recreation will be offering a mini Archery Clinic throughout the day.

Mayor John Anlian, said, “We are excited about this year’s Earth Day celebration that features a number of fun and educational activities for the residents of Ridgefield Park and their families. It is a day for us all to celebrate all the natural resources the Village has to offer.”

“We hope to raise awareness about environmental issues that are affecting our community and encourage all residents to enjoy and take advantage of the environmental treasures that are all available here in Ridgefield Park,” he said. “Over the last couple of years our Environmental Commission and Green Team have tackled some important issues and have introduced new programs and ideas that have and will continue to transform Ridgefield Park into a more sustainable community.  Because of their dedication the Village has achieved Sustainable Jersey’s Silver Certification, making Ridgefield Park one of only 64 municipalities to achieve this status.”

The following shows will be presented throughout the day and include: Mad Science – Earth Day Every Day – Interactive show – Start Time:  11:00 a.m.; Tenafly Nature Center-Endangered NJ Live Animal Show-Start Time: 12:00 p.m.; The Wild Life-Bats-past, present and future with NJ’s Bat-Man, Joe D’Angeli-Live Animal Show-Start Time: 1:00 p.m.; and Tenafly Nature Center-Remarkable Raptors Show-Live Animal Show-Start Time: 3:00 p.m.

There is no cost to attend both events.  Those interested in attending this year’s Earth Day celebration can send the Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission an email at [email protected].  The Earth Day celebration will take place rain or shine.