ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, April 15, 1996 TAG: 9604160011
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: The Green Scene
SOURCE: CATHRYN MCCUE
Standing under the big neon star on Mill Mountain sometimes feels like standing on top of the world.
Come up the mountain again on Saturday to celebrate the 26th annual Earth Day, and to share a feeling of standing with the world.
From Melbourne to Minsk, Berlin to Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro to Roanoke, people will spend the day learning about the natural resources that sustain us all, and how simple, small efforts in their daily lives can help preserve those resources for future generations.
For instance, parking at Victory Stadium and taking specially provided shuttle buses up Mill Mountain. This will not only cut down on air pollution and fuel use, it will help avoid a massive traffic jam. The zoo has very little parking, and asks that all Earth Day-goers use the buses, which will run frequently throughout the day. The more hearty among us can walk or ride bicycles.
As this year's host for the Roanoke region's events, Mill Mountain Zoo is extending free admission to the public for Saturday only. Check out the prairie dogs, red panda bears, golden lion tamarins, a python (not named Monty), Ruby the tiger, of course, and much more than you remember.
About a kerjillion special activities are planned for that day, starting at 10 a.m and running through 5 p.m., by event organizers and sponsors - the zoo, Blue Ridge Environmental Network, Roanoke City Parks and Recreation, American Electric Power, Cycle Systems, Westvaco, Sierra Club-Roanoke River Group, Coca Cola Consolidated and K92 FM.
There'll be face painting, scavenger hunts, and guest appearances by Batman, Smoky the Bear and Woodsy Owl, refreshments, information booths, and music by old-time folksinger Curley Ennis and local rock group Red Weather.
The Virginia Marine Science Museum will bring the Chesapeake Bay up the mountain, or rather, a 27-foot marine lab on wheels that features hands-on exhibits, aquariums and "touch tanks."
Wildlife expert Ed Clark, co-founder of a renowned wildlife rehabilitation center in Waynesboro, will speak at noon. Clark often brings a variety of birds of prey to his talks.
A Christiansburg entrepreneur will bring a solar car that has been converted from a conventional, internal combustion vehicle. Westvaco representatives will talk about environmentally sound forestry practices, and a new chlorine-free bleaching process used at the company's Covington mill.
At 11 a.m., internationally known African drummer Baba Ngoma will join a drumming performance by students from Community School, a private school in Roanoke County. Now based in Washington D.C., Ngoma has studied and performed for more than 50 years, in Egypt, Senegal, the Ivory Coast and elsewhere.
Other exhibits include organic farming, spelunking, herpetology (snakes and stuff), American Indian cultures, astronomy, and the Roanoke Valley's "greenways" movement. The public is invited to stroll back down the mountain along Prospect Road, designated as the pilot link in a valleywide greenways project. It's a half-hour walk.
But wait, there's more. Earth Day actually falls on April 22 and organizers have spread the celebration out a full week. Here's a brief look:
Today through Saturday, Floyd County is sponsoring "The Great Junk Mail Weigh-Off" and "The Newspaper Round-Up" at the county recycling center. Prizes given for the most junk mail or newspapers brought in.
Wednesday, 7 p.m., Babcock Auditorium at Hollins College. Pat Therrien, manager of the Appalachian Regional Recycling Consortium, will give a talk entitled "Sustainability and the Potential for Individuals."
Thursday, 7 p.m. at Virginia Western Community College, Virginia Tech professor Paul Angermeier will discuss the recent developments on the controversial Endangered Species Act reauthorization battle in Congress.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., free tours of the VWCC arboretum.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to whenever, March for Parks 1996, held in conjunction with other walks around the country. Walk six miles along the Blue Ridge Parkway to raise money and awareness of preserving this wonderful resource. Meet at the city Parks and Recreation office, next to Victory Stadium at 8 a.m., shuttle buses will leave at 8:30 a.m. for Explore Park, where the walk begins, ending at Mill Mountain. Money will be donated to Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Call 981-2236 for pledge forms.
Saturday will feature Floyd County's "Green and Clean Day," an annual litter-pickup day in the county. Several roadside dumps in Copper Hill, Willis and Alum Ridge will be cleaned up. All participants get a T-shirt, breakfast and lunch. Call Joe Klein at 754-9371 for more information.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. Batteries, paints, pesticides, drain opener, thinners, solvents, cleaners, antifreeze, wood preservatives, paint strippers, weed killers, gasoline, oil, acids and pool chemicals can be brought to the Texas Street entrance of the Salem Civic Center Parking Lot for disposal. Call the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority at 857-5052 for more information.
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., "Zoobilation," the zoo's kickoff spring fund-raiser. Regular zoo admission applies. No shuttle buses provided. Many of the same activities listed above.
April 22, Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op hosts a seed and seedling exchange at the store, 1330 Grandin Rd. SW. Bring your extra seeds or seedlings to exchange for different varieties from other local gardeners. The store also has organic gardening supplies and sprouting kits.
April 22, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Awakenings Cafe invites the public to "Healthy Hour," to learn the benefits of fresh vegetable and fruit juices. It's at 1402 Grandin Road.
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