Penitentiary Glen, Lake Metroparks Celebrating Earth Day This Sunday

Both Penitentiary Glen and Lake Metroparks Farmpark are hosting special Earth Day events this Sunday.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation, at 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road in Kirtland, is hosting a free eco-fair where families can learn more about conservation and the environment.

Scheduled activities include:

• Free flower seed giveaway – Packets of purple coneflower will be available – one per family while supplies last. These are native flowers that bloom every year and attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard.
• Help paint a rain barrel – The park will also have a free drawing and the winner gets to take the rain barrel home.
• Take a nature walk – Explore nature in the park on an easy half-mile guided trail walk that is suitable for strollers, also.
• Haircut-a-thon – will be on site to give $10 haircuts -- first-come, first-served. The money raised will benefit Penitentiary Glen Nature Center.
• Earth-friendly puppet show – Enjoy an original puppet show and a recyclable art display put on by local Girl Scout Troop 71941 in the Wildlife Center classroom.
• Music – WELW 1330 AM will be at the park and playing music for guests' entertainment.
• Live animals – The Wildlife Center yard will be open with a naturalist to share interesting animal stories and answer questions. The center has baby bunnies, squirrels and birds right now.
• Face painting
• Train rides – Ride the miniature trains between 1 to 3 p.m., weather permitting. The train is provided by the Lake Shore Live Steamers.

Admission and all activities are free at Penitentiary Glen Reservation.

Meanwhile -- at the Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland -- kids can find out how to start their own garden compost, learn how alternative energy works and investigate new ways to conserve energy at home.

The park will also have a bike rodeo from 1 to 3 p.m. Children of all ages can bring their bike and helmet to Farmpark on Earth Day for a free inspection and proper helmet fit. Then they will learn the proper hand signals and try out the Farm Style skills course.

Other Earth Day activities at the Farmpark include checking out an environmentally friendly, electric micro car and learning more about renewable energy.

Additionally, guests can bring their old eyeglasses to the Farmpark and donate them to the Painesville Lions Club, who will recycle them.

Lake County residents receive free admission to Lake Metroparks Farmpark on Earth Day. However, regular Farmpark admission applies for out-of-county visitors.

Admission costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and children between two and 11 years old, and free for anyone younger than two.