BERWYN, PA — Chester County is set to celebrate its third annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 26, at the Upper Main Line YMCA (UMLY). This family-friendly celebration, organized by State Senator Carolyn Comitta and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, promises a full day of engaging activities, environmental education, and a keynote address by renowned entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy.
From 10 AM to 1 PM, attendees can enjoy free outdoor activities, including canoeing, tree-planting, woodworking, and environmental crafts. The festival will also feature over 30 vendors and organizations committed to sustainability, including regional nonprofits and local businesses like Natural Lands, Brandywine Conservancy, and Green Mountain Energy.
“The Earth Day Festival is a tradition in Chester County,” shared Senator Comitta. “It’s a time for families and organizations to come together and renew our commitment to safeguarding our natural resources for a cleaner, brighter future.”
Senator Comitta, who co-chairs the Pennsylvania Climate Caucus and serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, will join the festivities alongside other environmental advocates and community leaders. Brian Raicich, Executive Director of UMLY, highlighted the event’s significance, saying, “Ensuring the health of our environment is key to building strong, thriving communities.”
Dr. Doug Tallamy, a University of Delaware professor and New York Times best-selling author, will headline the event with his keynote presentation, “Homegrown National Parks,” from 1:30 to 2:30 PM. Tallamy’s talk will explore how simple changes to backyard gardens can promote biodiversity and benefit native wildlife. Registration for this presentation is required, with a $10 admission fee.
Additionally, the festival aligns with the YMCA’s national Healthy Kids Day, encouraging families to adopt healthy habits while celebrating the connection between environmental and public health. Event highlights include building birdhouses, face painting, stream studies, live music, and opportunities to explore UMLY’s 54-acre campus, which features nature trails, farm animals, and the headwaters of Darby Creek.
Local sponsorships, such as Shreiner Tree Care, will support activities like tree-planting, offering attendees the chance to contribute directly to environmental restoration.
Both the Earth Day Festival and Healthy Kids Day are open to all and free to attend, promising a memorable occasion of learning, community, and fun. Chester County residents are encouraged to join this celebration of nature and take actionable steps toward a sustainable future.
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