Post-Earth Day East End Festival Taking Place At 300 Acre Nature Preserve

Can’t get enough Earth Day festivities? The Quogue Wildlife Refuge (QWR) is continuing the support for environmental protection during an Annual Earth Day Celebration co-hosted by Eastern Long Island Audubon Society, Westhampton Beach Earth Day and the Refuge on Saturday, April 28.

The seasonal affair will launch with the Refuge’s Second Annual walkathon. Check in will take place from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. and the walk starts at 9:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to don an animal themed costume, which will put them in the running to win a fun prize.

Sullivan and Giles don themed attire. (Courtesy Photo)

“We are thrilled to be hosting our 2nd Annual Walk for Wildlife Walk A Thon at QWR!” Marisa Nelson, Quogue Wildlife Refuge Assistant Director, said. “This is a family friendly event, so there is a separate kids price, and the 1st 150 walkers will receive a beautifully designed long sleeve t shirt with animal tracks on it.”

Proceeds from the stroll will support the 300 acre non-profit nature preserve that houses a diverse wildlife population. “The money raised will help us to take care of the resident animals here that live here because of permanent injuries,” Nelson noted. “These includes owls, foxes, a hawk, peregrine falcon just to mention a few. This event is made possible with the support of the Leo Walsh Foundation, and many local generous business sponsors.”

The Annual Earth Day Celebration will commence at 12 p.m. The afternoon will showcase many ecofriendly activities, as well as exciting educational programs, and since it’s being held at the Refuge, the chance to sit back and revel in the beauty of nature and the Refuge residents. Happenings will include guided Birding Walks led by the Eastern Long Island Audubon Society, live animal presentations and meet and greets, up-cycling crafts, the chance to chat with representatives from local environmental organizations, displays of environmentally friendly products for your home, garden and personal care, bat-house workshops, face painting, live music by Jan Hanna, goat yoga, self-guided kayaking and canoeing on Old Ice Pond and much more.

When you start to get hungry, you can visit the The Inn Spot Out food truck or refuel with the Hampton Coffee Company.

For those wondering what to do with E-waste that’s collecting dust at home, bring it and ecoTech Management will dispose of it. Accepted items include small appliances, computers, phones, faxes, cell phone, gaming devices, tablets, TV’s, radios, or anything that plugs in or runs on battery. The ecoTech EWaste truck will be collecting Ewaste from 12 to 2:45 p.m. Additionally, attendees can bring unused/expired prescription drugs, over the counter drugs and vitamins, which will be collected by a police officer at the HUGS Table, old sheets, towels, blankets, pillows, and used pet supplies and toys that will be donated to Bidewee, a pet welfare organization serving metropolitan New York and Long Island.

The Refuge’s Barred Owl. (Photo: Kevin Ferris)

“These recycling programs are important to the protection of our water systems as well as the overall health of our environment,” Naomi Hogarty, a festival co-organizer, stated. “E-waste, prescription drugs and plastic bags make up a substantial amount of our overall landfill and water pollution.”

Admission to the Earth Day Celebration is free and the entry fee for the Walk for Wildlife Walk A Thon is $25 for adults and $15 for youths (under 18) in advance and $30 for adults and $20 for youths in advance.

Quogue Wildlife Refuge which is located at 3 Old Country Road in Quogue. For more information, call 631-653-4771 or visit quoguewildliferefuge.org.