By Matt de Simone
The annual Earth Day celebration at the Fincastle Library saw strong community participation Saturday, continuing a trend of growth for the local event.
Now in its third year, the celebration was held in partnership with the Friends of the Library’s book sale, a collaboration that helped draw a steady flow of approximately 200 attendees. The event featured about 18 tables with exhibits and vendors focused on topics such as conservation, solar energy, astronomy and beekeeping, along with a popular plant exchange.
Youth activities were a key part of this year’s event, including an art station and a hands-on birdhouse-building workshop led by a park ranger. Students from Central Academy Middle School participated, and a poster contest featuring entries from Lord Botetourt High School and James River High School highlighted student involvement.
Photos courtesy of Bess Madonna and Sarah Rodgers
“It went well,” Fincastle Sustainability Committee member Bess Madonna said when asked about the event. “The park ranger with the bird house building was a big hit, as were the art table, plant exchange, and bees. We had lots of help from students and others.”
Organized by the Fincastle Sustainability Committee, the event is part of a broader effort to promote environmental awareness and community engagement. The volunteer-led group, formed following updates to the town’s Comprehensive Plan, also supports initiatives such as a pollinator garden at Big Spring Park.
Organizers said continued community support and participation remain important to sustaining the event’s growth in future years.
