Earth Day events include free Cousteau presentation and the Heard’s Green Living Family Festival

This April marks the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day, and the City of McKinney, Collin College and the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary are teaming up to host Earth Day events across McKinney.

The festivities kick off April 23, with the 20-Minute McKinney Makeover. The City of McKinney is asking residents, businesses and schools to take 20 minutes from their busy schedules at 2 p.m. to clean up the grounds around their home, work or school. If 2 p.m. doesn’t work with your schedule, find another time when you can spare 20 minutes to spruce up.

Follow these simple steps to participate:

1.         E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to register.

2.         Pick your clean-up area boundaries.

3.         Find your volunteers.

4.         Organize your clean-up tools – garbage bags, recycling bags, gloves and appropriate footwear.

5.         Make it fun! Organize teams and have friendly competitions, like who finds the most unique piece of litter or collects the most recyclables.

Also on April 23, guest speaker Fabien Cousteau, grandson of famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau will be speaking at a free presentation at 7:30 p.m. called “One Water One People.” The event takes place at Boyd High School, and everyone is welcome to attend. To reserve your free tickets, visit www.mckinneyperformingartscenter.org. Seats are filling fast, so reserve yours today.

On April 24, the 4 Annual Green Living Family Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. McKinney residents receive free admission to the event that includes new activities in the children’s area and more than 30 “green” vendors ranging from rain water barrels and native plant experts to hybrid automobiles and water conservation and energy saving tips. Many of these vendors will have products for sale, giveaways and door prize opportunities.

Live entertainment lasts all day on the Heard amphitheater stage, starting at 9:30 with the City of McKinney Arbor Day poster contest winners announcement and presentation. The Maylee Thomas and George Fuller Band will entertain for the next hour, followed by Blackland Prairie Raptor Center’s live “Birds of Prey” presentation. For a full line-up of entertainment, vendor details and more information on all Earth Day events, visit www.heardmuseum.org.

The Heard will be giving free guided canoe demonstrations of their wetlands from 10 a.m. until noon and then again from 2 to 4 p.m. To receive free admission to the Green Living Family Festival, bring a driver’s license or recent water bill for proof of residency.