Project Earth Returns to Beech Mountain April 22

Story by Owen Gray

Project Earth, an Earth Day festival hosted on Beech Mountain, will bring its second year of earth-friendly activities to the High Country on Wednesday, April 22. This fun and educational program begins at 1:00 p.m. at the Buckeye Recreational Center, located at 206 Grassy Gap Creek Road in Beech Mountain. There is no charge for admission.

Last year, Project Earth hosted a trash pickup in and around Buckeye Lake and live music on the lawn outside the center.

“We had maybe 7 or so people, “ said Town of Beech Mountain Program Coordinator Brie Young, “but we had a blast.”

This year Young says that the Project will include not only the trash pickup and music, but also tree planting and organic gardening in the Buckeye Recreational Center’s own garden.

People who attend will get to help Young and the other staff at the Recreational Center plant a ginkgo tree that they have been growing for a while now, getting it ready for the transplant from pot to field. A number of Frasier fir seedlings will also be planted.

Young is especially excited about the gardening.

“It’s really great,” she said, “lots of people are interested in the idea of organic gardening but many don’t know how to go about it. Now is their chance to learn.”

Local organic gardener and Town of Beech Mountain employee BJ Hughes will be on hand to help kids and families with this learning process.

“He’s a great resource,” said Young.

Young’s personal friend and local musician Dan Morris will be providing the music. With his Jack Johnson-like sound and fun lyrics he’ll be ready to entertain everyone with Earth Day songs for kids. Young says that he may even play a few songs from Johnson’s hit soundtrack to the movie Curious George. The soundtrack is known for its beach-style music with lyrics that inspire people to be passionate about the environment.

“We’re really excited,” said Young, “it’s going to be a great time no matter what.”

Light refreshments will also be served on the day of the event.

For more information, call 878-387-3003.

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