Vernon In 1970, twenty million people celebrated the first Earth Day. Now, with the threat of global warming increasingly evident, environmental concerns are again top of mind for much of the world. Recognizing that sustaining the local environment is critical to families, businesses and a shared future, Vernon Township established Earthfest. This year, Earthfest, presented by the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, will be held over the weekend of April 28 and 29 at Mountain Creek and other locations around Vernon, with the heart of the celebration scheduled at Mountain Creek’s north base area, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. There will be a variety of booths, exhibits and demonstrations from local businesses and organizations, as well as live music throughout the day. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about hybrid cars, oil tank removal programs and other green practices. Some activities require advance sign up at the Vernon PAL Building, which are noted below. The year, Earthfest’s highlights include: Presentation on “An Inconvenient Truth,” led by Nick Seaver, who recently completed the Climate Project training program, led by former Vice President Al Gore, based on his best-selling book and Oscar winning documentary. Seating is limited to 100; first come, first served. Wolf Visions will dispel the myths and legends wolves. Presentations beginning at 11:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, providing information to develop a basic understanding of communication within a wolf pack and the social structure of the wolf family. Children’s books, posters and a slide show are used to supplement the discussion, followed by a question-and-answer period. Highlight of this program is the introduction of some of the center’s live lupine canines. Close Encounters with Birds of Prey, hosted by The Delaware Valley Raptor Center, who will bring a hawk, a falcon, two owls and an eagle, for a one-hour talk beginning at 10:15 a.m., covering predator/prey relationships, wildlife rehabilitation, specific adaptations of the birds present and various issues facing wildlife today. Whole Foods Vegetarian Cooking Class from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. presented by Dani Segal, doctoral candidate in holistic nutrition and owner of Healthy Thymes Market, at The Appalachian hotel. Class will focus on the medicinal value of foods. Sign up in advance at Healthy Thymes Market. Owl Prowl, led by naturalist and Vernon native Scott Angus, from 8 to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 27, on the Hamburg Mountain. Meeting at The Appalachian hotel at Mountain Creek, nocturnal birders will travel to access road off Route 515 in search of some of the state’s rarest owls, the saw whet owl and barred owl, as well as screech owls and great horned owls. Registrants must sign up in advance at the PAL; dress warmly, bring sturdy shoes and a flashlight. Heavy rain cancels the event. Four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Mountaintop Hike beginning at 10 a.m., touring the varied habitats of Hamburg Mountain. After riding Mountain Creek’s gondola, Scott Angus will describe the natural history of the Highlands region and point out native plants and wildlife. Registrants must sign up in advance at the PAL. Appalachian Trail Hike led by Emile DuPont. Two-hour hike at 10 a.m. on Saturday, beginning at the Boardwalk. Three-hour hike at 1 p.m. on Sunday, from the Route 94 trail head. Registrants must sign up in advance at the PAL. Bulk Clean Up organized by the Vernon Department of Public Works, with extended drop-off hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the complex on Church Street. Items being accepted include tires, furniture, mattresses and appliances. Call 973-764-3021. Walk-A-Thon hosted by The Kiwanis Club of Vernon, from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, at Maple Grange Park, to raise awareness of Vernon’s open space and raise money for pantings at the entrance to the park. Kiwanis will also present the Miss Vernon pageant on Friday, April 27, at The Appalachian Hotel. Applications available at Vernon High School or Silver Shack on Route 94. Photography Contest for high school students living in Vernon is also underway. Students are encouraged to submit two images with the theme “Living In Nature” by Wednesday, April 25. Photos must be taken in Vernon; black and white or hand-colored; matted but not framed; and 5x7, 8x10, 10x12 or 11x14. Submissions accepted at the high school or Healthy Thymes Market. Entries will be exhibited at Mountain Creek during Earthfest. Additionally, Mrs. Ann Trombetta’s classes in Lounsberry Hollow Middle School have drawn their impressions of living with nature in Vernon. Their drawings will soon appear in store windows and on the community bulleting board announcing Earthfest. Volunteers and participants are very important to the success of Earthfest and all members of the community are encouraged to get involved. If interested in volunteering or joining the organizing committee, call Melody Duffy at the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, at 973-764-0764. Local sponsors, businesses and non-profits are also sought. Space is limited; first come, first served. Call Duffy to request an application for a booth or exhibit.