The mission of Shoals Earth Month Incorporated is to provide and support educational opportunities for individuals, families, local governments, schools, businesses, and organizations to enhance understanding of the importance and interconnectedness of all natural systems and to celebrate the beauty, bio-diversity, and abundance of life on Earth.
As a response to continued environmental degradation, Senator Gaylord Nelson proclaimed the first Earth Day on April 22,1970. Communities around the nation and world have since used this occasion to promote environmental awareness and advocacy. For over forty years the Shoals has joined forces with others promoting eco-friendly practices. In April of2008, "Earth Month in the Shoals" became an official community-wide,month-long celebration with events appealing to all ages and diverse groups.
We are blessed to live in such a biologically diverse area nestled in Northwest Alabama where eagles fly and stretches of natural landscapes wind along the beautiful Tennessee River. People traveling here for the first time are truly amazed by the natural beauty of our area that some here take for granted. The Shoals has an unusually rich natural and cultural heritage which gives cause for celebration and challenges us to be responsible stewards of this beautiful area.
The preservation of our natural assets for this and future generations requires a strong, informed, community commitment. During April, there are many varied educational events and fun, family -oriented activities offered, many of which are free such as birding outings, wildflower hikes, nature walks, story-times, eco-themed symposia, renewable energy displays, recycling opportunities,tours of renewable energy facilities, solar homes and revitalized historic buildings, movie screenings, wild flower planting, local food /organic /vegetarian cooking demonstrations, and more.
The Fifth Annual Betty Martin Memorial "Earth Month Kickoff" will be on Thursday,March 22, 5:30 until 8 PM at Gas Design Center in Tuscumbia and will feature the topic " Solar Energy Today in the Tennessee Valley ", and will start with a " meet and greet" , live music , refreshments, solar display and silent auction.The program will follow and will include power point presentations from Southern Solar Systems of Huntsville, Alabama and from the Tennessee Valley Authority Generation Partners and Green Power Switch programs .There is no admission.
The highlight of Earth Month in the Shoals, The 5th Annual Shoals Earth Day Fest is a free, public event which has drawn thousands from our area and beyond.The Fifth Annual Shoals Earth Day Fest will travel this year to Colbert County, Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 10 am until 5 pm on the lawn of the Colbert County Courthouse in beautiful , historic downtown Tuscumbia, Alabama. Rain location is the Tuscumbia multi-purpose center.The fest will have numerous eco-friendly displays, live music, children 's activities, local city government departments, vendors including artists, artisans and crafts persons and much more! During the day a tour and talk at the Helen Keller Library will showcase the library's new solar panels and system. Entertainment for the entire family will be provided by the Rockin' Eco Hero, Steve Trash as he performs his Street Magic Show.
