As members of the SCA New Hampshire corps, we’re all about service. It’s why we chose to live here in Bear Brook State Park, and it’s what we do everyday. So it should come as no surprise that, as we prepare to host the Manchester Earth Day celebration, there’s one theme that keeps coming up over and over again: service.
The event is set for Saturday, April 14, the first day in a week of Earth Day events hosted around the country by the SCA. From Seattle to Houston to our town of Manchester, SCA members, staff, alumni, and community members will be taking part in conservation events such as tree plantings, park clean ups, and trail maintenance. It’s our way of celebrating the earth and all it provides – by giving back and working to improve the environment in our local communities.
The theme for Manchester Earth Day is “Tread Lightly,” but this only provides a glimpse of what the day will offer. A variety of activities, including recycled craft making, live bluegrass music, and nature walks will provide attendees of all ages with opportunities to have fun, learn something new, and make a difference.
Our SCA NH corps is hosting the event in partnership with New Hampshire Audubon, and as you might expect, we’re also making service a big part of the day’s activities. High schoolers working as part of the SCA Manchester Conservation Leadership Corps will be preparing garden beds that support the New Hampshire Food Bank, putting in the hard work that will provide food for families in need. Additionally, schools from across Manchester will be presenting the Service Learning Projects they worked on with their SCA teachers over the past ten weeks. These projects include pollinator gardens, murals, and outdoor classrooms that give students the chance to learn directly from nature.
Manchester Earth Day will take place from 10am-3pm on Saturday, April 14 at the Massabesic Audubon Center, located at 26 Audubon Way in Auburn. Admission is $5 for individuals and $10 for the whole family. (no charge to students of the SCA’s service learning program.) To learn more, call (603) 668-2045, or visit our websites at www.thesca.org/events and www.manchesterearthday.com. We hope to see you there!