County celebrates 40th Earth Day.

The Dickinson County Conservation Board has a series of events planned to mark the 2010 Earth Day Celebration. The highlight is the Earth Day Environmental Learning Fair and Celebration on Saturday, April 24.
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The events are free to all ages. For more information contact Naturalists Barbara Tagami at (712) 330-1080 or Charles Vigdal at (712) 331-1493.

* Sunday April 18 -- Bird hike and sign of spring walk at Iowa Lakeside Lab: The event starts at 2 p.m. Meet at the main entrance.

* Monday, April 19 -- Celebrate the Planet with the Sierra Club: From 5-7 p.m. at Cocktails Restaurant in Arnolds Park.

* Tuesday, April 20 -- Planet Earth Showing: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pearson Lakes Art Center's Lauridsen Theater.

* Thursday, April 22 -- Happy Earth Day: Go outside and plant a tree, pick up trash or find another way to make the earth a clean place to live.

The highlight of the week is the Earth Day Environmental Learning Fair and Earth Day Celebration Saturday, April 24, at Gull Point State Lodge. Here's a look at the Saturday program:

* 9 a.m. -- Frog Hike with Jane Shuttleworth of Iowa Lakeside Lab.

* 9 a.m. to noon -- Activities for Children

* Ongoing -- Recycling Activities and Live Animal Displays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* 11 a.m. -- "Iowa's Water and Land Legacy" with Anita O'Gara, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

* 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Recycle Smiley Train for Children by Al Buseman

* 1 p.m. -- Nature Center program with Barbara Tagami and Jack Jones

* 3 p.m. -- "Purple Martins, Nature's Natural Insect Controllers" by Wendell Hanson of Bird haven

* 4:15 p.m. -- "Eagles" with Lee Schoenewe, Clay County Board member and birder.

The evening concludes with an Earth Day Celebration, sponsored by the Conservation Foundation of Dickinson County. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Gull Point State Lodge.

The night includes wine by firelight and potluck hors d'oeuvres. The keynote speaker at 6 p.m. is Rich Leopold, Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Live entertainment will be provided by Ron Cisar featuring Earth Music.

Non-alcoholic beverages will be offered. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Friends and family are welcome.