Earth Day Extravaganza
2023
Come join us for a day of fun and learning as we celebrate Earth Day! We have a full slate of activities planned, including open house tours of BNS. Admission is free. The event starts at 10 am and runs until 2 pm. Check out the event schedule below for more details. We hope you will join us!
Note: Because onsite parking is limited, we encourage folks to carpool. There is street parking available at nearby neighborhoods only a short walk away. We'll also have a drop off site for those needing to drop participants off before parking.
Event Schedule
10:00 - 11:30 am
SWVA Wildlife Center of Roanoke Animal Ambassadors
Come see the wonderful animal ambassadors from the SWVA Wildlife Center of Roanoke and learn how we can help protect wildlife. Presentations start at 10:00, 10:30, and 11:00. We're also taking donations to help out the center! The facility is in high need of HE liquid laundry detergent and white paper towels. You can find additional donation items listed on their website. Monetary donations are always accepted.
12:30 pm and 1:30 pm
Bi-lingual Story Time
Sit and listen to a children's story read in both English and Spanish! Story times start at 12:30 and 1:30.
Noon - 2:00 pm
Open House Tours
Come explore what BNS has to offer and see our facilities first-hand! Tours will start in the BNS Lobby.
Noon
Science Demos
Join us for a brief demonstrations that reflect the impact of events on our environment. Demos take place at noon.
12:30 - 2:00 pm
Virtual Field Trips
Reduce your carbon footprint by virtually visiting some of our national parks and moment sites. A different virtual field trip begins at 12:30, 1:00, and 1:30 pm.
All Day Events
Open Playground
Have fun playing on and exploring our playground areas!
Book Swap and Game & Puzzle Swap
Do you have books, games, and/or puzzles your kids have outgrown? Feel free to bring them with you and swap them out at the event for new (to you) ones!
Treats and Upcycled Crafts Sale
Baked treats and upcycled crafts will be on sale at the event to help raise money for BNS.
Start Your Own Plant
We'll have a master gardener on hand to help you get your own plant started!
BEE Knowledgeable
See a bee hive (without the bees) and learn more about how bees help the environment and humankind! Some honey will also be available for sale.
11:30 am and 1:00 pm
BEE in the Know
Listen to local beekeeper and farmer Carl Lefko share about beekeeping, its importance to our food chain, and today's challenges for both bees and beekeepers. You can check out Carl's site here. Carl will also be on hand throughout the event with a bee hive (minus the bees) and some of his honey. Carl's talks will begin at 11:30 am and 1:00 pm.