The fourth annual Westmoreland Earth Day, featuring over 70 local environmental organizations from throughout the region, will be held on Saturday, April 23 from noon to 5 p.m. at Saint Vincent College. This year’s event includes educational activities, thrilling live shows and informative displays and booths for all ages and interests.  The event is free to all and is proudly sponsored by Dominion and the Western Pennsylvania Watershed Program, along with other state, county and local environmental groups.

Westmoreland Earth Day 2005 will feature an abundance of unique venues.  Three live shows including the Audubon Society’s “Birds of Prey,” “PA Reptiles & Amphibians” by April Claus, and the National Aviary’s “Animal Adaptations” will be held throughout the afternoon beginning at 12:30 p.m.  Informative workshops will teach you how to create a backyard habitat buffer with help from the Wildlife Habitat Council or allow you to reflect on spirituality and nature with Fr. Philip Kanfush, O.S.B. Children can also enjoy a nature story hour.  Special events for enthusiasts of all ages include the ever-popular Mountain Dreams Climbing Wall, and the official Bass Masters Casting Contest.  Nature walks, portable sawmill demonstrations, and hybrid vehicles are additional highlights.  The event will also include booths on gardening, native plants, organic foods, composting, and children’s crafts and will feature appearances by Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl, Coach Ozone and more!

Admission to the event is free to all.  Official Westmoreland Earth Day t-shirts featuring the original design created by sixth-grade contest winner Ryan Keys of Mt. View Elementary School will be available for purchase, in addition to food and snack items from the Shack at Saint Vincent.  Please visit the official website for more information, directions and the event schedule at www.westmorelandearthday.org,  All are invited to become a part of Westmoreland Earth Day 2005!  Your involvement in the event ensures quality environmental education in your community for years to come. For more information, contact Susan Huba at 724-593-6105 or selarue@wpa.net.