Earth Day Brings Crowd to Park, Zoo

SWAINTON — With temperatures soaring into the middle 80s, there were many reasons to celebrate Earth Day in Cape May County on Saturday, April 25.
The county-hosted event featured a run, walk and many eco-friendly activities.
There was music to dance and swing to, and food to enjoy.
There were incredible sights to view, like bees making honey in a visible hive, presented by the Jersey Cape Beekeepers Association, and a walk-through of a tree from Cape Atlantic Soil Conservation.
Marine and agricultural groups participated. The Bayshore Discovery Project was one such group. Volunteer Helen Edwards pointed to many of the group’s activities, including taking youngsters aboard the A.J. Meerwald, the official state tall ship. The group is also active in helping to raise awareness of the Delaware Bay eco-system, and in keeping had an outline of a horseshoe crab.
From Cape May County Park Zoo volunteers, Cindy Dickert told the curious passersby about the black rhinoceros before her. Some of those included Amy Rihl with youngsters Madyn Rihl, 4, and Mya Rihl, 2 and Riley Dannehower, 8.
Dickert said the zoo could use more volunteers who enjoy working with people as well as the variety of species at the popular attraction.
Junior Girl Scouts from Dennis Township Troop 44240 who worked all year to attain their Bronze .Award, the highest honor for them displayed ways to help save the environment.Members who joined the event from the troop included Chelsea Fossett, Gabby Crippen, Marin Galia, Victoria Mauro, Stephanie Miller, Dori Davidson, Lindsey Pane and Julia Mapes.
As musicians provided tunes, some folks, like Andrea Schlembach and daughter Amber Schlembach, 2, of Marmora couldn’t help but swing and sway to the music while other watched and still others joined them in the fun.
Freeholder Director Daniel Beyel and Freeholder Leonard Desiderio attended to present awards to the runners in the race that started the Earth Day celebration.