Something fun for everyone during Plumas Earth Days April 20-28
Some things never change and in the case of Earth Day — a time when nearly 200 countries worldwide celebrate environmental awareness and inspire protection of the planet — we hope they never will.
Earth Day turns 49 on April 22 and this year local groups are offering several free festivities from April 20 through 28 for families, students and community members.
In addition to film screenings, wildlife talks and cleanup contests, several Plumas Earth Day events will provide opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and view local birds, beavers and maybe more.
Coexisting with Wolves April 25
A major highlight of the week’s events will be the screening of a 54-minute film and follow-up talk to explore how wolves and agriculture can coexist.
“The Trouble with Wolves,” a documentary by Collin Monda, airs at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 25, at the Town Hall Theatre on Main Street in downtown Quincy.
A free showing of the documentary “The Trouble with Wolves” airs at 7 p.m. on April 25 at Quincy’s Town Hall Theatre. Image submitted by Plumas Earth Days and FRC Sustainability Action TeamAdmission is free. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event is expected to pack the house.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Wolf Specialist Kent Laudon will present information on the Lassen Pack in Plumas County and take questions from the audience.
“Since we’ve got the Lassen Pack right here in Plumas County, we thought this topic was perfect for this year’s main event,” said Earth Days planner Darla DeRuiter, an instructor at Feather River College. “The film is really balanced, with ranchers, biologists, outfitters and others represented.”
The event will also offer visitors an information fair, refreshments and beverage concessions from Quintopia Brewing Co. and The Brewing Lair.
CDFW’s Laudon has worked as a field biologist for 28 years and with wolves specifically for the last 22 years in Idaho, Montana, Arizona and New Mexico. He currently focuses on conserving and managing wolves as they re-colonize northern California, working on the ground conducting surveys, trapping and collaring wolves.
DeRuiter said the wolf specialist also collaborates with many citizens representing diverse interests.
The Plumas County Community Sustainability Awards will be announced just before the film program begins, she added and the events are co-sponsored by Plumas Earth Days and FRC’s Sustainability Action Team as part of their Spring Sustainability Series. Nominations are still open.
For more information or to nominate someone, contact Rachel Bauer at [email protected].
The Plumas Earth Days Committee is a volunteer group of Earth-loving individuals who have spontaneously gathered each spring for the last 12 years to promote conservation, environmental awareness and sustainability in Plumas County.
FRC Earth Day, Lost Sierra film
Another not-to-missed celebration will be FRC’s Earth Day event Monday, April 22, with campus cleanup team competitions and a special screening at noon of “Visions of the Lost Sierra,” the new short film about the Middle Fork of the Feather River. Admission is free.
“We hope people who watch this film are inspired to act on behalf of our planet,” said Darrel Jury, president of the local nonprofit Friends of Plumas Wilderness (FPW).
FPW is releasing the film on Earth Day and FRC’s Student Environmental Association will host the showing.
Since 1974, FPW has dedicated its volunteer resources to studying, exploring and maintaining the integrity of natural ecosystems where the Northern Sierra Nevada Mountains meet the Southern Cascades.
FRC students encourage friends, coworkers and people from the community and classes to see the 15-minute film and join for the litter cleanup contest afterwards.
“Meet at The Green behind the Learning Resource Center (Library) for this hour-long celebration of our college campus,” DeRuiter said. “Posting before-and-after photos of cleaned-up areas on social media is a great way to feel good about doing your part on Earth Day.”
For more information about the Lost Sierra short film, contact Friends of Plumas Wilderness President Darrel Jury at [email protected].
Community Sustainability Awards
Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m.
Town Hall Theatre
469 Main Street, Quincy
Admission is free.
The Plumas Earth Days Committee and FRC Sustainability Action Team will announce winners of the 2019 Community Sustainability Awards just before the free screening of “The Trouble with Wolves,” a film featuring the viewpoints of ranchers, biologists, outfitters and others.
Since 2008, the awards have recognized individuals, businesses and groups that contribute significantly to the economic, community and environmental sustainability of Plumas County.
Four categories will be announced:
– Individual
– Business
– Organization
– Student
For more information or to nominate someone, contact Rachel Bauer at [email protected].
Birds and beavers nature walk
Sponsor: Feather River Land Trust
Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.
Leonhardt Learning Landscape
Across from Quincy High School
Free event open to the community.
Meet at the entrance to the bike path across from Quincy High for a fun nature walk. Binoculars are optional, but a sense of wonder about the natural world is required!
See www.frlt.org for more information.
Audubon birding field trips
The Plumas Audubon Society offers a range of free outings and field trips throughout the spring:
Roberti Ranch in Sierra Valley
Saturday, April 20, 9:30 a.m.
Limit 26 participants, RSVPs only at www.plumasaudubon.org.
No charge to participate. The small group of participants will have an opportunity to bird at the Roberti Ranch and enjoy a hosted BBQ after the tour.
“Four Directions of the Compass” birding trip with expert Bob Battagin.
Sunday, April 28, 8 – 11 a.m.
No charge to participate. Meet at the intersection of Quincy Junction Road and Chandler Road.
For information on all PAS events, please see www.plumasaudubon.org.
Spring Gear Swap
Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Quincy Veterans Hall
274 Lawrence St.
If you’ve got camping, biking, hiking or any kind of outdoor gear that you’d like to clean out of your shed or garage, bring it to the Spring Gear Swap. You can sell it for consignment minus 20 percent, or donate your equipment for the fundraiser. Reusing gear is a great way to take care of the planet.
Feather River Outdoors on Main Street in downtown Quincy will host the swap as a fundraiser for Plumas Charter School’s sixth-grade watershed trip.
“People can drop off their gear at the shop during our regular business hours anytime,” said David Arsenault, owner of Feather River Outdoors. “If donations are spread throughout the month, it’s easier to handle pricing and sorting.”
He added that gear can also be brought to the Veterans Hall on Lawrence St. in Quincy on Friday evening, April 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. or Saturday morning, April 27, from 7 to 9 a.m. Call 283-0455 for information.
