As Earth Day approaches, towns and communities around the globe are gearing up to get their green on. In Discovery Bay the process is already underway.

“We are in the planning stages and the excitement and momentum is amazing,” said Discovery Bay General Manager Rick Howard. “This is a great event that will show the community how to be energy efficient, conserve natural resources and do it in a way that is fun and educational.”

Held the day before the official commemoration on April 22, the Earth Day 2012 Town of Discovery Bay Family Festival is slated for April 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Slifer Park. The inaugural event – hosted in conjunction with the town and the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce – is free to the public and offers an abundance of opportunities for residents to celebrate the environment while paying it forward for future generations.

Festivities include the planting of 100 trees (donated by developer D.R. Horton) at various locations throughout the community, opportunities to work on the town’s groundbreaking wetlands project, a variety of kids activities such as crafts and games, and vendor booths featuring organic fruits and vegetables. Kids can also test their green thumbs by planting seeds in clay pots to take home – courtesy of the Discovery Bay Garden Club. The town also capitalizes on the occasion by rolling out the first of its water conservation projects, which includes proactive public awareness campaigns about the proper disposal of fats, oils and grease.

Founded in 1970 and reflecting the nation’s growing concern for the environment, U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson rallied the public, media and Congress to create a day each year to put the environment at center stage. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species acts. Now, 41 years later, Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 by millions around the world.

And while the emphasis in Discovery Bay is on family and fun, the green message will be front and center.

“This is something that will be a fun family event but will also be beneficial to our community,” said Howard. “It will also help to encourage our children to be good environmental stewards. It is also a great opportunity for families to come out and spend the day planting trees and working in our wetlands. And at the end of the day they will have made a nice commitment to the environment and the community.”

Volunteers are needed to assist on the day of the event, and sponsors are needed to offset the cost of the event. For additional information, call 925-634-1733.