With an emphasis on recycling, an area dedicated to a wildflower garden to help pollinators do their job and a Little Free Library to encourage book sharing, it’s no surprise that Earth Day is a big deal at Harmony Hill. Teacher Kelly Ireland starts planning activities in the fall with a focus on getting outdoors and appreciating nature.
“The greater the love and appreciation for our planet, the stronger the desire to keep it healthy,” said Ms. Ireland. “Children deserve to have a healthy planet to grow up on and one of the best ways to ensure this is to show them how special it is so that they will care for it as well.”
This year’s guest speakers included: Trish and Dave Marki of Silent Wings Rapters and Education, a program of the Wildlife Institute of Eastern NY; CMS eighth grader Logan Galarneau (and Harmony Hill alum) who recently completed hiking all 46 Adirondack High Peaks in just 13 months; Shelby Wimet-Himelrick of Hop on Home Rabbit Rescue in Saratoga; mother and daughter team Martha and Emma McCaffrey of Schoharie Cats; Grace Davis of Cornell Cooperative Extension who discussed wildflower pollination and world-renowned percussionist Donald Knaack, AKA “The Junkman,” who transforms everyday junk into musical instruments.