Palmetto Bay’s Earth Week celebration begins. Let’s have some fun. Here is what I have done today, 4/21/14, to kick it off: my bicycle to the office commute.

This was too beautiful a morning not to commute via bicycle to the office.  It was a very cool 63 degrees this morning when I left the house. I try to ride at least once a week and my best week was riding 4 out of 5 work days.  My goal for biking to work this week is 3 of the 5 days based upon my present schedule of work events. Who wants to join me on a bike ride?  CLICK HERE to view some of my other posts on "Bicycling".

I have always enjoyed Palmetto Bay’s Earth Week.  I have written on it even after leaving office see: the EarthWeek tab/label (labels posted in the column to the right).

It is important that we take some time to consider our future, what type of world we want to turn over to our children, our next generation.  I was proud that I was able to start a village Earth Day celebration that has morphed into a multi-faceted Earth Week celebration, partnering with local public and private schools, environmental groups, community groups and involve so many residents of all ages.  We are now seeing the fourth year that Palmetto Bay celebrates Earth Week. 

This year will see a continuation of the ladybug releases which I started many years ago as Mayor, providing a living example of the use of nature’s pest control over chemicals.  It is a fun event for both the kids and the adults. Movie night has always been fun with past Earth Week movies including “WALL-E”, “Hoot” (with presentations which included the actual Owls featured in the movie), and the “Bee Movie.”

The Earth Week celebrations cannot always stay the same. New events freshen it up and draw new participants.  Past years have included events such as the Magical Bus Tour, area clean ups with the administration, staff and students at Alexander Montessori School; Kayak Tours from Deering point in beautiful Biscayne Bay sponsored through Laura Reynolds and the Tropical Audubon Society (TAS); a family bike ride enjoyed by hundreds organized in cooperation with Eric Tullberg and the Green Mobility Network; safe solar viewing provided through the Southern Cross Astronomical Society (SCAS); and area nature walks guided by members of Palmetto Bay’s tree board through the preserved areas of the Palmetto Bay Village Center.  Interested persons were able to see crocodiles, several varieties of mangrove trees and other native plants right here in Palmetto Bay! These were extensive events to involve everyone and celebrate our surroundings, all great events.  I want to publically thank all the individuals and local institutions who have partnered with Palmetto Bay to make these past events so successful.

These events will not be forgotten and there is work behind the scenes to keep and continually improve these events or bring prior events back either through private efforts or simply impromptu community events such as the bike ride (sponsored by both Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay, but starting in Cutler Bay this year).

Have a safe, fun and memorable Earth Week – 2014.