LONGWOOD, Fla. — Wekiva Island is celebrating Earth Day on Friday, April 19, with fun and educational events based around sustainability.
The day will also conclude with two panels of leading environmentalists.
Events throughout the day include (most are free):
- The Wekiva Wanders Scavenger Hunt, in which guests can explore the island’s sustainability measures and receive prizes
- $3 Sweetwater Lager cans all day
- The Audubon Experience, with a talk from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- The Earth’s Canvas Art Show from noon to 5 p.m. at Gallery CERO, featuring nature-based works from the collection
- An Animal Encounter, with a visitor from the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- The Plants for the Planet succulent workshop in which participants can create their own living work of art from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tickets are suggested. The cost is $70.
- The Planet vs. Plastics interactive children’s activity, where kids can make their own recycled planters, from 5:15 to 6 p.m.
- The Earth Day Eco Talks Panel, which will feature leading sustainability voices in Central Florida sharing in two sessions from 6 to 7:45 p.m.
The first panel, focusing on Orlando’s Path to Resilience & Innovation, will begin at 6 p.m. and include speakers Mike Hess, director of Sustainability for the city of Orlando’s Office of Sustainability & Resilience; Gabrielle Milch, supervisor 4, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation and St. Johns Riverkeeper middle basin manager; and Chuck O’Neal, president of Speak Up Wekiva, Inc.
The second panel, focusing on Pioneering Sustainable Solutions Locally, will begin at 7 p.m. and include speakers Kellie Antonowicz, director of Education for IDEAS For Us/Fleet Farming; Alyssa Bolanos, owner and founder of Oh Eco; and Charlie Pioli, founder and chief executive officer of O-Town Compost.
Both panels will be hosted at the island’s Gallery CERO. Admission is free, but guests are required to RSVP.
“From our inception, Wekiva Island was meant to serve as a thought leader in how businesses could be profitable, fun and truly sustainable," Wekiva Island owner Bill Weinaug said. “For us to host these panels and this event in honor of Earth Day is a full-circle moment.”
For more information on the Earth Day celebrations, visit https://wekivaisland.com/earthday-2024/.