Patch Picks: Making the Earth A Better Place

• Patch Picks is a weekly list to help you find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to holiday celebrations, summer camp destinations, books to read, children's party places, parks and more.
  

With “A Billion Acts of Green” chosen as the theme for this years Earth Day celebrations, Patch has selected a list of five area events or activities that will be taking place around or on Earth Day, which officially falls on Thursday, April 22.

1. Kohl's Department Stores Headquarters, Menomonee Falls and Growing Power, Milwaukee

 From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, dozens of Kohl’s associate volunteers will lend a hand at Maple Tree Elementary Garden in Milwaukee to create new compost piles, sift compost and transplant plants. Kohl’s will donate more than $50,000 to the organization in recognition of the volunteer efforts. It’s part of the corporations second annual Kohl’s National Go Green Event (NGG) in celebration of two April events – National Volunteer Week and Earth Day. For more information, contact Sydney Hofer at 262.703.2242 or 262.825.7005.

2. Party for the Planet, Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Wauwatosa

Learn about taking care of the planet Earth at the zoo, featuring exhibits and habitats highlighting the importance of conservation. Learn a few ways people and businesses can lessen the impact on the Earth and protect the endangered species. The event will be held on May 14 and 15.

3. Village of Menomonee Falls, W156N8480 Pilgrim Rd., Menomonee Falls

The Menomonee Falls Parks and Forestry Department are looking for volunteers to help with flower bed maintenance and participate in the Community League during Earth Day Week and on an ongoing basis. For more information, call Jim Schneider or John Waller, superintendent's of streets/parks, 262-532-4700, or send an e-mail to pw@menomonee-falls,org.

4. Village of Sussex, W240N5765 Maple Ave., Sussex

The Village of Sussex is responsible for taking care of 13 parks or wildlife reserves, and is looking for volunteers to help out with simple maintenance functions such as the upkeep of flower bed and tree areas during Earth Day Week and on an ongoing basis. For more information, call Dave Greengo, operations superintendent, 262-246-6447.

5. Work Play Earth Day, Kohler Andrae State Park, Sanderling Nature Center, Sheboygan

Looking for an opportunity to get into a Wisconsin State park without paying for an vehicle admission sticker? Well here is your chance. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, this state park is looking for volunteers to participate in a state-wide event celebrating Earth Day. Volunteers are needed to plant trees, install benches, remove invasive plants, pick up litter and stain picnic tables. Bring a rake or shovel, and wear proper clothing and shoes, Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call the park office at 920-451-4080.