Eighth annual Earth Day Festival slated for Saturday, April 26, at Cascades Park

JACKSON, MI – Organizers expect hundreds of people will attend the eighth annual Earth Day Festival from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Cascades Park.

"The free outdoor event offers fun for the whole family," organizer Kandice Karll said. "More than 20 different outdoors-related organizations will be at the Cascades pavilion off of Denton Road with educational displays and hands-on activities ranging from nature crafts ... to bird-watching hikes around the park."

Formed in 2006, the Jackson Area Outdoor Coalition organized the first Earth Day Festival in Jackson the following year.

"The event grows every year," Karll said.

Events include a bird show organized by the Leslie Science and Nature Center from 1:30-3 p.m., as well as canoeing and kayaking around the lagoons which surround Cascades Park, organized by the Grand River Environmental Action Team.

New this year is a fishing workshop at Cascades pond, sponsored by the Jackson Men's Garden Club.

Five sponsors donated $2,800 for the event, Karll said. The sponsors include Emmons Service, Little Caesar's Pizza, Jackson County Conservation District, Krupas Boat Mart and Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc.

Those interesting in volunteering at the event, or those who would like to sponsor future events can contact Karll