By Christine Ahmann-Maples

Mark your calendar now for Mahtomedi’s ninth annual RITE* of Spring (*Really Into The Earth) Earth Day Event, to be held Sat. April 25, 2015, 9 a.m. to noon at the District Education Center.

This FREE family-friendly event, sponsored by Mahtomedi Area Community Education, Mahtomedi Garden Club, City of Mahtomedi, MAGI, community volunteers, and local churches, is a great opportunity to connect with others in the community and to explore “Earth friendly” ideas.

Clean out your house and garage for recycling opportunities and come on over for some hands-on workshops and information stations:

• Bike Safety Check – don’t forget to ride your bike! Bike Rodeo for the kids, and find out about the biking trails closest to you.
• Hands-on Water Workshops – find out how much water you use compared to others in Mahtomedi. Get water-saving tips and ideas. Register for a free waterefficient toilet to be given away.
• Composting Workshops – find out how to make your own compost bin and your own gardener’s “black gold” from lawn and kitchen scraps.
• Electronics Recycling – back by popular demand, bring in your old, outdated televisions, computers, and any of those random electronic cords you’ve since forgotten what they belong to. We will also collect used batteries and holiday lights for recycling.
• Unused Medications – bring in your unused and expired medications for safe disposal and prevent them from polluting our water supply. (We will not be able to collect sharps or thermometers at the event, but can provide you directions to the Washington County Environmental Center.)

See you there!