Join the Oneida County Land & Water Conservation Dept. and UW-Extension in celebrating Earth Day at the Oneida County Courthouse, Thursday, April 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The planting and dedication of our 2012 Earth Day Tree will take place on the Court Lawn at high noon! All ages are welcome!

Displays, demonstrations, and speakers will fill the County Board Room to celebrate the connection we have to our planet Earth. Ever wondered how you could collect 600 gallons of water from an inch rainfall? Have you ever met a spiny water flea in person? How about growing the biggest, tastiest, red tomato….yourself? Find out how by visiting the County Board Room, 2nd Story Courthouse, downtown Rhinelander on Thursday, April 19.

Jim Winkler, 4-H youth agent, insists visitors bring a bag lunch and “I’ll show you how to compost what’s left of your lunch”! Winkler will be performing a composting presentation from 1 to 2 p.m. Demonstrations will also show how to protect water resources by using rain barrels, how pollution enters our groundwater, and why bats desperately need our help. Microscopes will also be on hand so that everyone can view the “less seen lake scene”.

Free snacks, door prizes, and other cool stuff will be available! Bring your questions and stump the staff from UWEX, WDNR, Oneida County Land & Water Conservation Dept., and WI Dept. of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection! The event is free and open to everyone.

For more information, call (715) 365-2750 or (715) 369-7835, or email msadauskas@co.oneida.wi.us or jhansen@co.oneida.wi.us.