Earth Day Goes Interactive

Mother Nature to tell stories at World Peace Wetlands

Mother Nature (Donna Stjerna) will tell stories at the Omni Center's "World Peace Wetland Prairie Earthday Celebration" Sunday, April 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the World Peace Wetland Prairie at 11th and S. Duncan in Fayetteville.

By Kelly Mulhollan

TFW Contributing Writer

Let’s face it — Earth Day in Fayetteville is not just one day anymore.

It has turned into a full two week celebration with many events planned, starting with the big kickoff sponsored by the city on April 16 all the way to Springfest on April 30, as it should be. What could be more important than a celebration of the earth that sustains our very lives?

Sadly, we are testing the limits of exactly how much abuse this amazing resource can sustain. This event will remind us of how precious our planet is and help to empower us to find ways to be better caretakers of the earth, starting right here in our own community!

That’s why the Omni Center’s annual Earth Day Celebration at Fayetteville’s World Peace Wetland will focus on endangered species of the world with a very special interactive art show. The art exhibit is the work of area artist, Donna Stjerna, better known as half of the folk duo, Still on the Hill.

Donna says “We are going to hang about 40 little shrines to endangered animals that I’ve made from old cigar boxes in an enchanting candlelit tent. There will be mysterious animal sounds, and I will be dressed up as Mother Nature with a fanciful costume that my friend Lyn Ward and I created. I’ll tell an African tale that teaches us to be good stewards of the earth and give each a souvenir to remind them of that goal.”

Kids will also have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Mother Nature.

The art tent will feature lighting and sound effects powered by both solar panels and pedal power and everyone can help pedal!
As a finale, kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite animal and join the Animal Parade at 3 p.m.

Other kids’ activities including storytelling, aboriginal painting and planting “Seeds of Peace.”

As always, you will enjoy an acoustic song circle with many of Fayetteville’s finest musicians as well as scheduled nature walks to appreciate the delicate nature of this precious wetland environment. Local community sustainable agriculture experts will be on hand to enlighten you on new ways to feed your family healthy food this summer.

Everyone is invited to bring some raw finger food for the “raw potluck,” if so inclined. Healthy kids’ drinks will be supplied by co-sponsor Ozark Natural Foods.

Local environmental leaders will give short talks on proactive things we can all do to take better care of our earth.

Load up the whole family for a day of sunshine, birdsong and celebration of our precious earth!

To find the World Peace Wetland Prairie — Fayetteville’s best kept secret — from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, go south on Hill Ave. and then right on 11th. Alternatively, from 15th St., go north on Duncan Avenue, and it will take you right to it.

For more info, call 582-2291.