The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, when a United States senator from Wisconsin organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. Rallies took place across the country and, by the end of the year, the U.S. government had created the Environmental Protection Agency. Since then, Earth Day events take place across the globe on April 22. Many communities, organizations and schools hold Earth Day events to bring attention to environmental issues in their communities, states, country and around the globe.

     To focus attention on Earth Day, we are asking folks to Wear it Wild for Earth Day. What does this mean?  Just to wear something in an animal or jungle print, animal face mask or use face paints, nature, flower or animal hat and even a tail. Take a photo of you and your family or friends "wearing it wild" and post to your social media. Tag the Trout Lake Nature Center. And, finally, do something to help the earth. It can be as simple as going outside for an hour to enjoy nature, picking up litter in your community, turning the water off when you brush your teeth, driving less on that day, or getting off electronics for an hour. Share what you are doing with others.

     Since Earth Day is on Saturday, April 22, schools could "wear it wild" on Friday, April 21. And, post (if allowed) a photo of your school, classroom or faculty wearing it wild.

     Wouldn't it be great to see everyone in Lake County or Central Florida "wearing it wild" for Earth Day?

     .Greg Drawbaugh, PEAR Park volunteer, photographer and birding assistant will share his nature photos during this presentation and how he helps identify birds by their calls, songs, whistles and chirps. He is not an expert birder but more of a photographer but he can show you how non-experts can identify the birds in our area by their calls.

     As always, Friday Night Naturalists programs start at 6:30 PM on the third Friday at the Trout Lake Nature Center, 520 East CR 44, Eustis. This month's program will be on April 21st. Entry is free to all TLNC members but a $5 per vehicle entry is charged for all others. For more information, call 352-357-7536.

      Join us at the Trout Lake Nature Center (TLNC) on April 22 at 2 PM for an afternoon of learning about our moon. Speaker Mike Ryan will present a program about the eight major moon phases, giving you chance to see what the moon looks like at various times of the month from many points of view. Attendees will also receive a moon phases worksheet to fill out and take home to continue their learning while watching the night sky.

     Mike Ryan is a retired Planetarium Director for Lake County Schools. After spending 42 years teaching in Florida, he has developed more than 30 astronomy-related activities for teachers to use worldwide.

TLNC does charge a $5/vehicle entry fee to all non-members. 

     The final Pack Walk until cool weather returns will be held on April 23rd at 1:30 PM. All well-mannered and socialized dogs are welcome. Dog must be on a 6' non-retractable lead. Owners must pick up after their dogs and dispose of it properly.

     We suggest bringing a bowl and water for your dog during the walk. We do have a hose and bowl at the Education Building but some dogs need water during the walk. TLNC does charge a $5/vehicle entry fee to all non-members. 

     Water Color artist Ellen Westerholm will be teaching additional classes before the summer months arrive. During these two classes, you can learn to paint a kingfisher (the mascot of TLNC) and a dragonfly. The first class will be held on Wednesday, May 10 from 1:30 to 4 and second class on Saturday, May 20 from 10 to noon. Cost is $50/class which includes TLNC entry fee and all supplies.

     For children ages 6 to 12, Westerholm will teach a water color painting class for your young artist on June 16 from 10 to noon. These young artists will learn to paint a frog.

     Cost is $20 and all supplies are provided.

     EcoCamp is a great opportunity for participants to learn about forestry, bugs, plants, water, fish, and more. Each day campers will explore different locations around the area, including places such as Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis, Alexander Springs, Altoona, and Hickory Point, Tavares.

     The cost of the camp is $50 for the week. The camp runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, campers must be dropped off and picked up from the locations where they will spend the day. This camp is jointly run by Trout Lake Nature Center and Lake County 4-H. Go to https://www.universe.com/Ecocamp2023 to register.

     The boardwalk to Trout Lake will be closed for rebuilding starting in mid-May. A portion of the boardwalk and dock was previously rebuilt after decades of service. Funding is being provided from the following donors:

Disney-$100,000

SECO Foundation-$22,000

Larry L. and Michele M. Murphy Charitable Foundation-$20,000

Lake County Water Authority- $15,000

     Construction will begin after the final school field trips conclude in mid-May. Once construction begins, the boardwalk will be closed and portions of the Haselton Trail may also be closed. Construction includes using composite lumber to reduce maintenance, and the need to replace boards and relocating and enlarging Dragonfly Point. Construction should be completed by the end of summer.