Awareness, Fun are Focus of Ferndale 'Green Week' Starting Monday

What do free ice cream, a 25-mile bike ride and a discussion on butterfly gardens have in common?

They're all part of Ferndale's fourth annual Green Week starting Monday.

The weeklong "earth celebration" is a product of the Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission's partnership with the , the local business community and other area organizations.

Activities planned throughout the week will highlight earth-friendly local businesses and spread awareness of "green" practices. Events include presentations on gardening, a story time for children at the library featuring free ice cream from , a 25-mile bike ride and a party at .

"It's kind of just a time to get together with other people that care about the community and hang out," said Douglas Christie, chair of the Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission.

Christie said the event, which coincides with Earth Day, seems to be unique in the area. "As far as I know Ferndale is the only community that does a weeklong celebration where we try to have an event for the community every day of the week," he said.

The city's active residents, along with the support of the Ferndale City Council, library, school district and many local businesses that are interested in being "green," makes Green Week a natural fit for Ferndale, Christie said.

"I think the residents that get drawn to this community, which will be for a number of reasons, seem to be more in tune or interested in being active in their community," he said. "And I think everybody is interested in having a healthy planet, a healthy lifestyle and looking out for their children and their fellow human."

The "being green mantra" is strong in Ferndale and Green Week will help continue that, said Chris Hughes, communications manager for the DDA.

"It really just helps continue to spread the message - thinking of different things and what you can do," she said, adding that it helps to be reminded about the small, everyday "green" choices people can make. "Ride your bike, get water out of the tap."

Hughes said Green Week features many fun events that serve as a "gentle reminder" about environmental issues.

"It's about constantly working to be better stewards of the planet and taking care of our space," she said.

Hughes said Christie has been influential in the event. "I think that that's something that Douglas has been a huge advocate of and he makes us all think about it better."

Know Before You Go

Monday, April 16: Butterfly Day

• 7-9 p.m. at the Ferndale Public Library
• The Ferndale Beautification Commission presents a "Butterfly Gardens" discussion.

Tuesday, April 17: Garden Day

• 7-9 p.m. at the Ferndale Public Library
• Green Thumb Garden Center presents a "Starting Seedlings and Early Direct Seeding" discussion.
• Prizes will be offered from Green Thumb along with snacks from Avalon International Breads.

Wednesday, April 18: Youth Day

• 6-7 p.m. at the Ferndale Public Library
• A special Green Week Family Story-Time featuring free ice cream from Treat Dreams.

Thursday, April 19: Local Day

• 7-9 p.m. at the Ferndale Public Library
• Discussions from Ferndale Time Bank, Transition Ferndale, Motor City Free Geek and a Community Food Bank Program about "keeping it local."
• Residents are invited to spend the day discovering the city's diverse community of stores, restaurants and nightlife.

Friday, April 20: Celebration Day

• 7-11 p.m. at the Loving Touch
• A party featuring free massages, free healthy food, prizes and more.
• The Ferndale Green Business of the Year Award will also be given during the event.

Saturday, April 21: Bicycle Day

• The Sierra Club Green Cruise presents a 25-mile spring bicycle ride starting at 10 a.m. at the (meet in the parking lot behind the shop).
• Free bike check-ups will be offered.

Sunday, April 22: 42nd Earth Day

• Enjoy the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day - "All day and every day."
• www.earthday.org