Holidays

A scene from last year's Earth Day festivities at Manor Farm Park. Photo by Media Origin

Whether you choose to participate in a beach cleanup, bird walk or a fun festival, there are plenty of ways to show your love for the planet this weekend for Earth Day.. 

Huntington

Family Earth Day Celebration

Join the Town of Huntington for a family-friendly Earth Day celebration at Manor Farm Park, 210 Manor Road, Huntington on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with arts and crafts, a beekeeping demonstration, e-waste disposal, composting info, paper shredding, an electric vehicle display, food, music, and free activities. For more information, call 631-351-3173.

Kings Park

Earth Day Drop-In

Stop by the Sunken Meadow Nature Center, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park any time on April 23 between noon and 2 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day! Learn a bit about Earth Day and make a fun craft to take home! All are welcome. No reservations required. Free. Questions? Call 631-269-4333.

Port Jefferson

Earth Day at the Explorium

Join the Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson and the  Brookhaven Town NAACP for a special Earth Day presentation on April 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society will be on hand to provide a talk about local marine life and conservation efforts and then lead a beach clean-up outside of the Explorium. This event is free and open to the public but pre-registration is strongly encouraged by visiting www.longislandexplorium.org. Call 631-331-3277 for more info.

Port Jefferson Station

Train Car Park Cleaup

The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce hosts an Earth Day  Community & Train Car Park Cleanup at the corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on Saturday, April 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. Grab a pair of gloves and a bag to pitch in. Community service hours given. Call 631-821-1313.

Greenway Trail Clean Up

Three Village Community Trust hosts a cleanup of the Setauket and Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail on Saturday, April 22 at 9 a.m. Meet up with Friends of the Greenway volunteers at trailhead at Hallock Ave. and Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station. For more info, email [email protected].

Shred Recycle Dispose event

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Shred Recycle Dispose event on Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Town of Brookhaven residents may bring paper documents for secure shredding, electronic devices for recycling, and old prescription drugs for safe disposal in the library’s parking lot. Questions? Call 631-928-1212.

Northport

Beach Clean-up

New York Marine hosts a beach clean-up at Crab Meadow Beach, Waterview Street West, Fort Salonga on Sunday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. Come join them in their effort to eradicate marine debris and save wildlife. To participate, register at www.nymarinerescue.org.

Riverhead

Earth Day Cleanup

Help make the Town of Riverhead a cleaner and more beautiful place. Join the Riverhead Litter Committee  for a cleanup on Saturday, April 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. in honor of Earth Day. Supplies can be picked up at Town Hall, and volunteers can register for a location to clean. Community service credits are available. Sign up online as an individual or a team by emailing [email protected].

Ronkonkoma

Bird Walk and Trash Cleanup

Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for a Bird Walk and Trash Cleanup at Lily Pond County Park, Smithtown Blvd., Lake Ronkonkoma on Saturday, April 22 at 8 a.m.  in celebration of Earth Day and in memory of Diane Spitz, who spent many years as unofficial caretaker of the Park. Please bring gloves and bags. Email [email protected] to register.

Beach Cleanup at Lake Ronkonkoma

Join the Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group for a beach cleanup at Lake Ronkonkoma on Saturday, April 22 at 10 a.m. Meet at Larry’s Landing on Shore Road. Bring pruners,gloves and tools for fence installation. Will be doing some planting, pruning, installing a fence and cleaning shore line. Service hours available.

St. James

Earth Day at Celebrate Park

Join Celebrate St. James for a free Kids Community Earth Day Event at Celebrate Park on Lake Ave. in St. James on April 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  featuring a garden tour with Paul LI Landscaping, animals from Sweetbriar Nature Center, crafts, henna art, storytelling, plant sale, live music and more.  To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Smithtown

Earth Day at Sweetbriar

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown invites the community to an Earth Day is Every Day celebration on April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. Celebrate the wonders of the natural world and living things that share the planet with us. Children will meet resident animals, enjoy the natural world through their senses, and go on a scavenger hunt to find out some of the things they can do to help the natural world. Come away with a green craft to help reduce your impact on the Earth. Best for families with children over 4 years old. $10 per child, $5 per adults. age of 4. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. For more info, call 631-979-6344.

Stony Brook

Lee Koppelman Preserve Cleanup

Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and ‘S’ Section circle of friends invite the community to join them for the 2nd annual Lee Koppelman Preserve Cleanup on Friday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the entrance to the Preserve at the end of Sage Lane intersecting with Sheppard Lane in Stony Brook. For more information, call 631-451-6963.

Earthstock Festival at SBU

The signature Earthstock Festival returns to Stony Brook University’s West campus, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Friday, April 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with vendors, presenters and tables from various departments on the SAC Plaza, with the Green Pledge and other speakers taking the main stage at the Mall fountain at noon. Student performances will be held on a second stage by the SAC from 1 pm to 3 pm. The annual Duck Race will take place at 2 pm. Free and open to all. Visit www.stonybrook.edu/earthstock.

Wetlands Legacies

In honor of Earth Day, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization will host a family program, Wetlands Legacies, at the Dr. Erwin Ernst Marine Conservation Center at West Meadow Preserve in Stony Brook on April 22 at 10:30 a.m. Explore the legacy of world-renowned naturalist and ornithologist Dr. Robert Cushman Murphy with interactive hands-on exhibits led by the WMHO’s Youth Corps, a never-before-seen drone video of West Meadow Creek habitats, and guest speakers and experts in the fields of marine biology, ecology and the environment. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 children. To register, call 631-751-2244.

 

 

Pixabay photo

Earth Day is an annual holiday that was started by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 to promote environmental policies on a national scale. Following the first Earth Day, Congress authorized the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Earth Day also led to the passage of the Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

In 1990, Earth Day went global and mobilized 141 countries to participate in protecting the environment. The date April 22nd was chosen for Earth Day to maximize the number of university (and K-12) students that could participate in celebrating the holiday. 

The theme for Earth Day 2023 is “Invest In Our Planet.” This year’s theme focuses on engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and the more than 1 billion citizens who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part — “everyone accounted for, everyone accountable.”

The following are some ways to celebrate the planet this April.

Leave the car at home. Winter weather is a distant memory by late April in many places, making Earth Day an ideal time to travel by foot or by bicycle instead of by car. That’s not only fun, but also a great opportunity to learn about carbon emissions. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. Vehicles also emit a substantial amount of methane and nitrous oxide. This is why gas-powered vehicles are so often linked to climate change, much of which is driven by greenhouse gas emissions. A car-free Earth Day can be fun and serve as a catalyst for conversation about the effects of gas-powered vehicles on the health of the planet.

Volunteer with a local environmental organization. Environmental organizations are committed to the ideals behind Earth Day all year long. However, each Earth Day many of these organizations sponsor eco-conscious efforts to help the planet and raise awareness about issues like climate change. Volunteering with a local beach or park cleanup or signing up to walk and raise money for a local environmental charity makes for a fun and educational way to spend your Earth Day.

Get your hands dirty and plant. The National Forest Foundation notes that planting trees can have a profound and positive impact on the planet. According to the NFF, planting more trees helps forests to sequester carbon, which can have a significant effect on climate change. The NFF estimates that 100 mature trees can remove 50 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and 430 pounds of pollution from the atmosphere. Even if you can’t work with a local forestry organization to plant more trees in a nearby forest, planting native trees on your own property can help combat climate change.

Involve children in your efforts to combat climate change. Today’s adults likely won’t be the ones forced to confront the more challenging consequences of climate change. Unfortunately, that cost is likely to be passed on to future generations. That makes this Earth Day a great time to involve kids more directly in efforts to combat climate change. Explain the significance of avoiding the car, volunteering or planting trees in terms that kids can understand, emphasizing that the future of the planet could very well be in their hands. Earth Day takes on greater significance each year as the effects of climate change become more noticeable. This year the holiday can be celebrated in various ways that are both enjoyable and educational.

Attend an Earth Day event. Being in community with other climate activists and Earth-lovers is the best way to spend Earth Day. There are many events in our area this weekend. See the list in this week’s Arts & Lifestyles.

 

White Flowering Dogwood Tree

In honor of Earth Day 2023, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and PSEG Long Island, in partnership with the New York State Urban Forestry Council and the Arbor Day Foundation, will provide 225 customers in Suffolk County with a free tree through the Energy-Saving Trees program. The program showcases how planting the right trees in the right location can reduce utility bills and promote ongoing system reliability.

“It is always a pleasure to work alongside PSEG Long Island, they truly do incredible work in providing the community with valuable resources to help cut energy costs,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “In the spirit of Earth Day, this upcoming event will allow residents to choose a tree that will not only help reduce their energy bills but also support our air quality. Together we all can make a meaningful impact on the environment.”

“Strategically planting energy-saving trees helps save up to 20% on summer energy bills once the trees are fully grown, while also improving air quality and reducing storm water runoff for all residents across Long Island,” said David Lyons, PSEG Long Island’s Interim president and Chief Operating Officer.

The free energy-saving trees can be reserved at www.arborday.org/pseglongisland until all trees are claimed. The reserved trees will then be available for pick-up on Friday, April 21, at the H. Lee Dennison Building , 100 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All reserved trees will be held until noon, when they will become available on a first come, first served basis.

The Energy-Saving Trees online tool helps customers estimate the annual energy savings that will result from planting trees in the most strategic location near their homes or businesses. All customers that participate will receive one tree and are expected to care for and plant them in the location provided by the online tool, taking into account utility wires and obstructions. The types of trees offered include the following: red maple, white flowering dogwood, willow oak and scarlet oak.

PSEG Long Island will also be on site at the H. Lee Dennison Building on April 21 to share information about energy saving and financial assistance programs. In addition, they will distribute reusable shopping bags and free LED lightbulbs to save customers money and energy, and to support the environment. Information, shopping bags and lightbulbs are available to all customers. The Energy-Saving Trees must be reserved ahead of time at link above.

The Port Jefferson community marked yet another successful Easter Parade this year, with hundreds turning out for the festivities.

Hosted by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, the parade route started at Theatre Three, working down Main and finishing at Harborfront Park. Once there, a wild frenzy ensued, with children and parents rushing to the park to collect the hidden eggs.

Fun and merriment went all around, the community and chamber capping off another memorable annual Easter tradition.

— Photos by Greg Catalano



Baby Chick Cupcakes
Baby Chick Cupcakes

YIELD: Makes 24 cupcakes

INGREDIENTS:

1 package (12 ounces) white confectionary coating wafers

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract

1 box (16 ounces) confectioners’ sugar

1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme

1 teaspoon Sunflower color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors

2 tablespoons milk, plus additional (optional)

48 unfrosted mini yellow cupcakes, baked in white paper liners

sprinkles (optional)

additional McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

To make broken egg shell pieces: melt coating wafers as directed on package. Spread on large foil-lined baking sheet to 1/4-inch thickness. Refrigerate about 10 minutes, or until firm. Break into small, irregular pieces. Set aside.

In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add vanilla; mix well. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar, beating until well blended after each addition, frequently scraping sides and bottom of bowl. Beat in marshmallow creme until well blended. In small bowl, stir food color into milk until dissolved. Add colored milk to frosting; beat until light and fluffy. Stir in additional milk, as needed, to reach desired consistency.

To decorate cupcakes: spoon frosting into large pastry bag fitted with large round tip. Pipe two dollops of frosting on top of each other to form baby chick. If desired, insert sprinkles into face for eyes and beak. Or tint any remaining frosting with food colors to pipe out eyes and beak.

Place coating wafer pieces around bottom of baby chick to resemble broken egg shell.

For more recipes and tips, check out McCormick.com

Carrot-Shaped Waffles

Carrot-Shaped Waffles

YIELD: Serves 6
INGREDIENTS:

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 cups all-purpose waffle and baking mix
  • 1 1/3 cups milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract, divided
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons Sunflower color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Berry color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sky Blue color from McCormick Color from Nature Food Colors
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Heat round waffle iron. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix together waffle mix, milk, egg, oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla and 1 teaspoon each sunflower and berry colors until blended. Let batter stand 5 minutes to allow color to fully develop.

Pour about 1/3 cup batter onto center of waffle iron. Close lid. Cook about 3 minutes, or until no longer steaming. Carefully remove waffle. Repeat with remaining batter. Cut each waffle into 8 triangles. Set aside.

In another medium bowl, stir sky blue color and remaining sunflower color into cream. Add confectioners’ sugar and remaining vanilla; beat with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Spoon into re-sealable plastic bag. Cut piece off one bottom corner.

To decorate and serve waffles, place waffle triangles onto serving plates and pipe green colored cream on wide side of each triangle to resemble carrot tops.

For more recipes and tips, check out McCormick.com

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While decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition that dates back centuries, the high cost of eggs may make it more difficult for some families this year. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find creative ways to keep the season special and create memories with loved ones. These “egg-citing” alternatives to using traditional eggs can help keep those simple moments of connection and creativity alive:

Pretty in Plastic: Dyeing plastic eggs is an activity perfect for all ages with less stress and less mess since they don’t crack or break when dropped. Dyeable plastic eggs also typically come in packages of more than a traditional dozen, offering more opportunities for creativity. Another added bonus: You can decorate your home every year with the finished product since they don’t go bad. They are also perfect for DIY projects, such as making them into garland, hanging ornaments, place settings or gifts that can be used for years to come.

Baked Easter Decor: Instead of buying eggs, you can make your own baking soda dough eggs using 1/2 cup corn starch, 1 cup baking soda and 3/4 cup water. Combine the ingredients, roll into egg shapes and bake in the oven for 1 hour at 175 F then simply dye them as you would real eggs using an egg decorating kit. Fun for all ages, these eggs can be turned into a variety of decor and mementos with kids taking the lead on mixing the dough batter and shaping the eggs before an adult helps with the baking.

Repurposed Treasure from Nature: Kids often love to hunt for fun-shaped and colorful rocks when exploring outdoors or collect seashells while on vacation or taking a walk on the beach. Now, rather than storing them in a “treasure box” or throwing them back outside, they can be creatively decorated for Easter using paint, stickers, glitter, accessories and other add-ons. Using rocks of all shapes and sizes is a cost-effective, low-waste alternative that allows children to use their imaginations for creative play once they’re done decorating.

Glazed Lemon Loaf

By Heidi Sutton

Whether you’re enjoying a spring holiday like Easter or simply embracing the opportunities that the new air brings, food remains the centerpiece. And with citrus, each moment can be a celebration. If you love the smell and taste of lemons, then this Lemon Loaf is the perfect sweet bread to bake for Easter. Serve it up for breakfast, brunch, dessert or an afternoon treat.

Glazed Lemon Loaf

YIELD: Makes one loaf
INGREDIENTS:
Loaf
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Zest from 2 lemons

Glaze
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Zest from 1 lemon

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 F and line your 8 x 4″ loaf pan with parchment paper. Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add in your eggs one at a time and vanilla extract. Into a smaller bowl mix together your flour, salt and baking soda. Alternately add the dry ingredients and your sour cream to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat between each addition until just combined. Fold in fresh lemon juice and zest and mix until well combined.

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in oven about 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Meanwhile, prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest together until smooth. Remove loaf from oven and let cool completely (about one hour) before topping with lemon glaze.

Find more citrus recipes at Sunkist.com/Recipes.

A scene from 'Finding Nemo' Jr. at SPAC. Photo by Jackie St. Louis

Just in time for spring break, the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Finding Nemo Jr. through Saturday, April 8.

Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo Jr. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.

Final performances are on April 6 and 7 at 1 p.m. and April 8 at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. All seats are $25. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.