• This month, Kane County Connects will highlight the organizations that are working to conserve and protect our local environment. Check out this “Countdown to Earth Day” feature every day from now until April 22 to learn more about the people and projects that are helping to improve sustainability throughout the Fox Valley.

Friday, April 22, 2016, marks the 46th anniversary of Earth Day, which was started in 1970 to mark the importance of protecting natural resources and the environment. For the past few weeks, Kane County Connects has highlighted a variety of organizations and projects that are improving sustainability throughout the Fox Valley. We hope you enjoyed this “Countdown to Earth Day” series — but remember that we should celebrate the Earth EVERY day of the year!

There are several opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate our natural environment this weekend:

Earth Day Celebration at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center

Bring out the family after school, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 22, to celebrate Earth Day at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center. This will be a fun-filled evening with live music from Copper Harbor. There will also be a photo booth, crafts, face painting, educational resources and much more! This event is FREE and open to the public! Visit the vendor tables, dance to music on the back patio by the pond, and take a hike on the trails! You won’t want to miss this event! Here’s a link to the Facebook event page.

Earth Day at Peck Farm Park

The Natural Resources Committee of Geneva and the Geneva Park District present the Earth Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Peck Farm Park.

The event will feature green education and children’s activities, a small petting zoo, FREE paper shredding, bicycle check ups, and a rain barrel sale.

Working Bikes will accept bicycles, bicycle parts, wheelchairs and sewing machine donations. The Geneva Public Library will host a book exchange — bring a gently used book to the library’s table and exchange it for another used book of your choice. Plus, USAgain will accept old textiles. (Please note: No rugs or carpet will be accepted.)

Peck Farm Park is located at 4038 Kaneville Road in Geneva. For more information, please call 630-262-8244 or visit www.genevaparks.org.

Tree Planting at Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve

Calling all volunteers! Come join the Forest Preserve District of Kane County staff and neighbors in planting 600 oak trees in honor of Earth Day! They’ll dig the holes and all you need to do is simply place the trees in pre-dug holes – easy and fun for the whole family! Be sure to arrive at 10 a.m. sharp.The event will go until plant 1 p.m. or until the trees are all planted. Bring work gloves.

Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve is located at 39W933 Russell Rd. in Elgin.