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"Delmarva" is a word that probably does not exist in your vocabulary unless you hail from the eastern shore of one of the three states that make up its name: Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia (Del-Mar-Va). Since my hometown is Salisbury, Maryland, right in the heart of this tri-state peninsula, I speak 'Delmarvan' quite well. And to know the area is to know that the prosperity of many of its residents is closely linked with the beautiful landscape and nature surrounding it, from the marshes of the Chesapeake Bay to its boardwalks on the Atlantic Ocean. While environmentalism by name is a growing phenomenon, giving back to the land is a tradition that goes way back.
As long as you don't mind a little sand in your shoes, you can get involved with Earth Day on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Earth Day Events on Delmarva
Delaware
Earth Day Delight at Cape Henlopen State Park's Seaside Nature Center
Make crafts inspired by the Three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and learn about the environment and learn about the environment at the Seaside Nature Center. Or check out "Snakes, Turtles and Mother Earth: Learn how snakes and turtles help keep our planet healthy."
Saturday, April 18, 2009, 8 am–3 pm
Lewes, Delaware
Pre-Season Cleanup at Fenwick Island State Park
Help clean up Delaware State Park's "quiet beach." Call ahead to availability of supplies.
Sunday, April 20, 2009, 11 am–3 pm
Rehoboth, Delaware
Local Fun: Go biking along the coast in 20th Annual Ocean to Bay Bike Tour. All levels of experience are welcome. Afterward, visit the shops and boardwalk of Rehoboth, Delaware.
Maryland
Surf's Up: The Aloha Garden North Side Clean Sweep
Go surfing, do a clean sweep, then surf again! Volunteers and members of the Surfrider Ocean City Chapter and the Annapolis Surf Club will restore white pines and mulch the Aloha Garden at Northside Park. Volunteers will go surfing before and/or after the event.
Saturday, April 18,2009, 10 am
Ocean City, Maryland
Local Fun: Go surfing! Or check out the Ocean City Boardwalk.
Coast Kids: Earth Day at the Zoo
The Salisbury, Maryland Zoo offers activities for all ages in honor of Earth Day. The event promotes an appreciation for nature and an understanding of the environment. Experts will give a talk on Maryland's state reptile: the Diamondback Terrapin.
Saturday, April 18, 2009, 10 am–4 pm
Salisbury, Maryland
Local Fun: Right here! Games, music, food, and don't miss the local production of the Lorax.
Earth Day Marsh Planting
Marsh grasses along the coast help prevent erosion and preserve the natural habitat. Help in the ongoing battle to restore the marsh grass. Volunteers are needed to plant smooth cordgrass, saltmeadow, cordgrass, and switchgrass plugs and help with trash pick-up.
Thursday April 22, 2009 12–3pm
Berlin, Maryland
Local Fun: Visit nearby Assateague Island and its wild ponies. This barrier island consists of a State Park and National Park with ranger guided programs, along with canoeing, kayaking and swimming.
Virginia
Earth Day Cleanup Events in Virginia
Virginia Naturally lists Earth Day events around the state. Or, if you are a snorkeler or diver, you can sign up with the Nature Conservancy to participate in "one of the largest seagrass restoration projects in the world". (Scheduled for May and June 2009.)
Local Fun: A few hours south is the Virginia Beach Earth Day. Ok, so Virginia Beach is not really part of Delmarva, but this Earth Day event is too big not to mention. Enjoy music, food, environmental exhibits; you can even purchase rain barrels.
Get involved in these Earth Day activities. You'll be a good eco-tourist while enjoying a little sand and surf while you're at it. Delmarva will thank you.
More Earth Day Activities
Earth Day 2009: First Steps to Volunteering
Green Apple Festival Volunteer Central
Volunteering Pathways
