Mantua – For the 13th consecutive year, Crestwood Primary School hosted an annual Earth Day celebration in Mantua.
According to Mrs. Cheryl Brugmann, kindergarten teacher and one of the event’s organizers, this fun family event was attended by over 450 students and their families. The event featured a variety of booths spread throughout the building, providing earth-friendly activities and resources. From bee keeping and hiking to face painting, the event had a little something for everyone.
The Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves (ODNAP) provided maps and trail information for visiting some of Ohio’s natural places. Pochedly Greenhouse provided seeds for radish necklaces, and Portage County Master Gardeners shared their expertise, helping families plant an egg carton planter/caterpillar with grass seeds. Participants had the opportunity to make their own recycled aluminum can lanterns, pop bottle critters and earth day rain sticks. Visitors were encouraged to visit the dino bubble, an inflatable, enclosed space that featured dinosaur-themed projects created by Crestwood’s 2nd grade science classes.
Attendees also had the opportunity to view the one-of-a-kind Earth Day art installation made almost entirely from recycled materials. In addition, lucky raffle winners got to take those collaborative keepsake pieces home after the event. In the music classroom, visitors learned how to make recycled instruments. Thanks to a donation from Oscar Brugmann Sand and Gravel, there was a rock party in the art room, where families made painted rocks to hide around town for lucky searchers to discover. (Find out more at Northeast Ohio Rocks on Facebook).
Families also learned about local plants, animals, and insects from local experts, and received a tree seedling from the Portage Soil and Water Conservation District, to plant at home. Lastly, the CPS PTO provided complimentary refreshments, adding to the day’s festivities.
