Last week, the 5th Annual City of Auburn Earth Week was celebrated at Kiesel Park. Many different departments and organizations in Auburn hosted activities focusing on sustainability and recycling.
The programs included animal welfare, the importance of trees, a water treatment demonstration, soil and water conservation and municipal waste management.
“This is a program that has been going on for several years. It’s aimed at second graders,” said Phil Dunlap, special programs director for Auburn Parks and Recreation. “We come together as a collective group and discuss the hot topics and issues that are out there today and how it pertains to environmental preservation.”
Friday, second graders from Ogletree Elementary School and Yarbrough Elementary School had the opportunity to take a field trip to Kiesel Park to learn more about Earth Week.
They learned about the Earth Day Art Project, recycling, animal control, the importance of trees, water treatment and Enviroscape.
“The goal is for these second graders to be given this information and process it,” Dunlap said. “Then, as they grow older, they will be able to put this information into action which will lead to a lasting and prosperous environment.”
Earth Week program has been allowing second graders from all the local elementary schools in Auburn to come out and learn about recycling and sustainability.
“I think it’s a solid program,” Dunlap said. “We learn more about the environment, and we’re able to relay what we’ve learned to the young generation to take it forward. We convey that message which is expressed on many different levels in an effort for the kids to learn about promoting environmental protection and sustainability.”
Sustainability is about awareness of the resources being consumed. It is also about making smart decisions like recycling and product consumption.
Little things like turning the lights off when they’re not in use or fixing a leaking faucet are all steps that can be taken toward sustainable living.
The Earth Week program also allows Auburn University students opportunities to learn more about the environment and careers in public relations.
“It’s a good opportunity to get hands- on experience doing a lot of diverse activities,” said Christy Barrett, a public relations intern for the City of Auburn. “We do (public relations) work, write press releases, handle event logistics and work the CityFest.”
Leslie Hildreth, a senior in communications and public relation intern for Auburn Parks and Recreation agrees with Barrett.
“It’s a positive experience to learn about environmental awareness and to teach water resources and recycling (to the kids).”
The next big upcoming event for the city is right around the corner. Saturday, April 26, the City of Auburn will be hosting CityFest, a city-wide event that will have activities and entertainment for everyone.
For more information about Auburn CityFest, visit www.auburncityfest.com.
