Contributed by Amy Jolin, Development Director, Hackensack Riverkeeper
The mission of Hackensack Riverkeeper is to represent the natural living resources of the Hackensack River. The organization works to protect, preserve and restore the river and its watershed; and defend the quality of life for the people and other creatures that depend on it.
Hackensack Riverkeeper is like most environmental organizations that get slammed in April with a non-stop race to provide services to schools, community organizations, and government committees to help them connect with Earth Day. In the past, the HRI team has been treated as experts in Earth Day activities and programs, with good reason! HRI educators have got loads of ideas for the best way to celebrate nature, the outdoors, the river, and wildlife! This year however, HRI has created EarthFest Overpeck in hopes that friends and contacts will create a new tradition for an Earth Day celebration.
EarthFest Overpeck will be held in Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, April 26-27, 2014. It will be an Earth Day party to beat all. The event also marks the opening of Overpeck Park Kayak Center, making it the perfect weekend for a celebration of all things ecological.
The main celebration takes place on Saturday, April 26 from 9AM until 6PM and kicks off with a Recycled Regatta. Teams of very creative people will launch boats constructed out of a variety of recycled materials and navigate them on Overpeck Lake. The day also features exhibits & presentations by environmental groups, green vendors, a children’s fishing derby, live music, dance presentations, free paddling, food trucks and a beer garden courtesy of Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Kohler Distributors.
Day Two, on Sunday, April 27 consists of a major-league Spring Cleanup along the very same waterway from Noon until 4PM. For those not into cleanups, April 27 also marks the Opening Day – and Fifteenth Anniversary – of the Paddling Center at Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus.
Admission to EarthFest Overpeck is free and all events take place rain or shine. For specific information about the Recycled Regatta, directions to the park or anything else about the event, please visit www.EarthFestOverpeck.com or call us at 201-968-0808. Follow the event on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: #EarthFestOverpeck #FriendsofGLBC #GLBCEarthDay
EarthShare New Jersey has been an ongoing advocate for effective environmental workplace giving programs. Its work has increased the financial stability and visibility for HRI among the environmental players in the region. Their work has been instrumental in finding opportunities to put Hackensack Riverkeeper in front of potential donors.
Best Wishes from Hackensack Riverkeeper for a Successful Earth Day Season!