Earth Day is coming up on April 22 and the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department will be celebrating with workshops that deliver hands-on fun for environmentally friendly causes.
Three programs will be held throughout April to help guests promote healthy habitats in their communities. No amount of care is too small, and through these simple projects, participants can learn about the importance in going green and providing proper habitats for beneficial species ranging from insects to amphibians.
Woodworker and volunteer Ed Burger will be leading a “Woodcrafting for Wildlife” workshop where guests will learn about the Eastern Bluebird while building a bluebird box. The workshop will be held Sunday, April 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Berks County Heritage Center.
Bluebirds are a beneficial bird for any backyard, and gardeners can delight in the extra help they can provide in pest control. The bluebird box kits are handcrafted by Ed and are only $15 per kit. Pre-registration is required because kits are limited.
Guests will have the opportunity to build their own Mason Bee houses during the “Native Pollinator Power” workshop on Wednesday, April 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Berks Leisure Area pavilion.
Participants will learn the importance these mighty insects play in the local ecosystem and what they can do to help to save them. Mason Bee kits are available for $10 each. Pre-registration is required to reserve kits.
Finally, sign up for the “Ceramic Toad Abodes” workshop on Thursday, April 21 for a chance to make a one-of-a-kind toad house for your yard. Clay on Main in Oley, a non-profit ceramic studio and art resource center, will be supplying the clay and other materials needed to construct these special backyard habitats.
Inviting amphibians, reptiles, insects, and other critters to stay in your yard is a fun way to help species who may get a bad rap, but really play a vital role in our local ecosystems. The workshop will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Berks Leisure Area pavilion. Each project costs $10 and pre-registration is required.
These events are designed for children and adults alike, but children must be accompanied by an adult since assembling these kits often requires hand tools.
Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance of each program date and pre-payment is preferred. Email lgauker@countyofberks.com or call 610-374-2944, ext. 2611 to register or for more information.
These programs are presented by the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call 610-374-2944, visit countyofberks.com/parks. The Berks County Heritage Center is located at 1102 Red Bridge Rd., Reading, PA 19605. The Berks Leisure Area is located at 1901 Tulpehocken Rd., Wyomissing, PA 19610.
