CRYSTAL RIVER – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Friends of Crystal River State Parks is hosting “Happy Birthday Earth Day 1970-2010”, a 40th anniversary Earth Day celebration at the Crystal River Preserve State Park and Big Bend Seagrasses/St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserves Visitor’s Center.

This event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, and entry is free to the public.

This year’s celebration features many fun and educational activities including live Florida music, a variety of educational demonstrations, touch tank, recycling and water quality tips, native plant sales, a flint knapper, wildlife talks, food booth, great-looking Earth Day t-shirts. In addition, 30-minute eagle nest boat tours will be offered throughout the day for a suggested donation of $5.00 per person to the Friends.

Don’t miss Kids Central, where earth-centered crafts and games will be found! Coloring contest forms can be download forms at www.crystalriverstateparks.org or picked up at the Crystal River Preserve State Park Visitor Center between 9:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and will be accepted up until 12:00 noon on the day of the event. Contest entries will be judged and prizes awarded in three age groups: 1 through 5, 6 through 8 and 9 through 12.

• Story