Earth Fest Planned April 26 at MK Nature Center

Come join the MK Nature Center for Earth Fest, a celebration for the entire family to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The family friendly event includes activities, games, arts and crafts, movies, and a kite-making workshop. Guided nature hikes and streamwalk tours will also take place every hour with kids' nature journal activities. Gardeners can shop for native plants and receive advice on native plant gardening. There is an Idaho Native Plant Society "Members-Only Sale" on Friday, April 25, from 5 to7 pm. If you are not already an INPS member, you may join at the Friday sale. On Saturday, April 26th, the sale is open to all from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. All activities are free and open to the public. A 3-minute video that explains Earth Fest can be viewed by visiting Idaho Fish and Game's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edG_7BeKx8w. Earth Fest is sponsored by Boise National Forest, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and Idaho Native Plant Society. "We're trying to get people out into the environment so they can develop an understanding, an awareness and an appreciation of Idaho's natural resources," said Edna Vizgirdas, Boise National Forest spokesperson. Earth Fest is just one of several events planned during Idaho's Unplug and Be Outside Week. Events in the Treasure Valley will be offered through April 26, while events in Idaho Falls will be held May 3-10. Fish and Game's "Take-Me-Fishing" trailer will be on-hand at various locations to help introduce anglers of all ages to the joys of fishing. All events are designed to inspire and empower families to get off the couch, get active and enjoy the outdoors. This annual program is hosted by the High Five Children's Health Collaborative, Be Outside-Idaho! Fit One, and more than a dozen partner organizations. For a list of events, please see www.unplugandbeoutside.com.