Earth Day event educates through fun, diverse activities Published April 30, 2010 By Kimberly L. Wright Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Conservation, recycling and recreation interests joined forces at the Maxwell Event Center during the Earth Day Extravaganza held by Base Environmental. The April 22 event featured items of interest for the ecology minded, young and old, including educational displays, hands-on activities and free goodies. The event was designed to boost "public awareness and encourage people to do what they can to protect the environment and conserve resources," said Beth Osgood of Base Environmental. Representatives of the U.S. Geological Survey invited people to test their knowledge of water-related facts through a game of Water Jeopardy. The game is similar to the popular TV show that requires contestants to come up with the question to a displayed answer. In Water Jeopardy, the categories included water-related topics such as hydrologic geology and groundwater. Even live animals took part in the event. An owl and an unusually colored corn snake, provided by Russell Lands on Lake Martin, gave people a chance to interact with their feathery and scaly neighbors. Schoolchildren were a target audience of special emphasis, said Ms. Osgood. "We invited the children to learn [to be environmentally friendly] while they're young so they can carry on the protection measures as adults and enjoy the environment with their children." A host of activities kept children busy learning and creating. They were encouraged to make bird feeders using pinecones, a lard and molasses mixture and birdseed. Courtesy of Montgomery County 4-H, children also made creations that will resemble Chia Pets when fully sprouted, using fast-germinating grass seed and soil placed in panty hose and then housed in a plastic cup. They also showcased their creativity by painting colorful clay pots. To help the kids keep the sun out of their eyes, the Capital City Master Gardeners helped them create sun hats out of old newspapers.