DEP Announces Earth Day
Classroom Speakers
Calendar of Events and Web Site
(03/59) TRENTON - Tuesday, April
22nd marks the 34th annual international celebration of
Earth Day, a time when citizens around the world reaffirm
their commitment to environmental protection. Due to the
local popularity of Earth Day, area-wide events can begin
as early as mid-April and carry on through mid-May.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) is encouraging the public to visit it’s “Earth
Day – New Jersey” web site at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/seeds/earthweb/eday.htm.
to view a list of Earth Day events scheduled throughout
the state and learn how to invite a DEP speaker into the
classroom this spring.
“Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity for all of
us to recommit ourselves to protecting our environment,” said
Bradley M. Campbell, DEP Commissioner. “It helps
raise awareness among people of all ages about the responsibility
we share. I encourage everyone to participate in at least
one of the many Earth Day events scheduled throughout our
state.”
The most popular feature at the
web site is the “Calendar
of Events.” The calendar currently features over
thirty Earth Day, Arbor Day (April 25) and other public
environmental events that are open to families, individuals
and students. Coordinators of public events not yet listed
in this calendar are invited to complete and submit the
online event form.
A new DEP initiative featured at
the web site under “Earth
Day Resources” is the DEP Speakers Program. In honor
of Earth Day’s national theme for 2003, ‘Water
for Life’, the department has a number of employees
available in April and May to conduct interactive, water-related
lessons for students in grades K-8. Information is available
online about how to schedule a classroom presentation.
Additional features at the site include the history of
Earth Day, online educational resources, and a list of
actions that people can take at home, in school or at work
to help protect the environment.
DEP supports Earth Day activities
in New Jersey because the celebration acts as a springboard
for new or renewed
public interest in environmental protection. Through this
annual celebration, people become better informed about
the role they can play in protecting the earth’s
natural resources and environmental quality.
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