As lawns turn green and trees begin to bud, Central Missouri State University will celebrate the arrival of spring with its 2001 Earth Day observance, an event designed to increase environmental awareness. Although the national observance is set for Sunday, April 22, Central is planning its celebration a day later, Monday, April 23, to provide more opportunity for student, faculty and staff participation. Earth Day events are being coordinated by Scott J. Ammon, hazardous materials coordinator in Central's Department of Public Safety. Events include a tree planting ceremony, a sculpture created with recyclable materials, compost demonstrations, and a technology and environmental information exhibit.
All activities are free and open to the public.
Ammon said the Earth Day opening ceremony begins at 11 a.m. outside the James C. Kirkpatrick Library. Although the exact location has not yet been determined, University President Bobby Patton will conduct a tree planting ceremony, planting a native Missouri tree. Activities continue at noon in the Elliott University Union atrium. Ammon will conduct a composting demonstration using computer operated equipment that he designed himself. He will also share informational materials about many environmental issues at the Technology-Information Row.