Texoma Earth Day

Since the first Earth Day celebration in 1970, Earth Day events have been held annually, in communities, schools  and other settings,  first in the United States and then expanding around the world  in the 1990’s, to promote protection of our environment.

Sunset Reflection by Lee Hatfield

The Friends of Hagerman will participate in Texoma Earth Day on Saturday, April 26, on the Municipal Lawn in Sherman, Texas.  The Friends will display photos of wildlife at the Refuge, distribute Refuge literature and host nature themed craft activities for children, with the help of the Bluestem Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists.

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is all about protecting the environment, working to provide and conserve a natural habitat for wildlife.  Refuge management practices are carried out in ways that are environmentally safe.  The Visitor Center design incorporates many green features and received Silver level LEED certification – Leadership in energy and Environmental  Design.  

Visitors are encouraged to avoid bringing or leaving items that are destructive to plants and animals, and to leave the Refuge without “souvenirs” other than photos and memories.

At Texoma Earth Day visitors can learn more about building green, about environmentally-friendly products, and can recycle paper, unused prescriptions medications, electrical appliances and more  - in addition there will be a variety of vendors and musical entertainment.  

In addition to participating in Earth Day celebrations, here are some tips for things you can do to protect our environment:

• Learn the energy use of appliances, how landscaping and home design can reduce energy use and more at this website:  http://energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver
• For heating and cooling efficiency, http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/HeatingCoolingGuide%20FINAL_9-4-09.pdf?87fc-711f
• Improving vehicle fuel economy, http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp and http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2014/04/earth-month-tips-check-your-tire-pressure/
• Use water-wise gardening practices in your home landscape as described at    http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/southerngarden/Ethnecot.html

Finally – who knew – a consultant recently told me that to go green when printing, use “Garamond” font, because it uses the least amount of ink or toner when printing.  You can check it out at this website - next up is “Courier”, available on our blog format, just in case you want to print this timeless article!