2008 ENVIROFEST

Register Today and Join Us on May 3rd!
You can download a REGISTRATION FORM HERE, call us at (610) 469-4900, or pick up a registration form from one of over 100 local business partners' (see list of sponsors) or townships in our watershed area .

The downloadable form is in .pdf format. You will need Acrobat Reader to view them. Download the free application by clicking on the icon below

• Nature-Themed Walks for families

“Scavenger Hunt”
Locate a woodpecker hole, deer tracks, bird nests, wildflowers of spring, and more on this one-mile, family-friendly nature walk. Prizes will be awarded to the children who can find all of the listed items on this scavenger hunt that teaches the principals of valuing nature: “Move nothing…step on nothing but the path…take nothing but photographs…leave nothing but your thanks!”

"Walk Like An Animal”
How does spring smell? What does a May day sound like? Use animal instincts and senses on this one-mile, family-friendly walk and you’ll see, hear, feel, and smell things you’ve never perceived before. We’ll have binoculars and field guides in-hand to experience nature up-close and personal!

Guided and Self-Guided Hikes
2 Mile Guided Botany Hike
If you're interested in wildflowers, plants and trees, this 2-mile, guided hike is for you! Naturalist from Green Valleys Association and local botanists will lead you through meadows, forests, stream-side trails, and wetlands, pausing frequently to identify and study native and rare plant life along the way.

2 Mile Guided Forest Hike
Naturalist from Green Valleys Association and local foresters will lead you through the forests to identify trees, discuss forest health, the impact of invasive plants, sustainable forest management, when and why (or why not) to harvest, forests and their role in providing clean water, the deer/forest connection, and many other topics. Not to be missed!

Native Plant Sale
Featuring a mix of native trees, shrubs, and perennials from Yellow Springs Farm that are beautiful for your garden and will attract birds and butterflies.

Farm Animals
Your children will love feeding the animals and watching the goats and kids jump and play. Give the calf his ba-ba at feeding time. Stand back while the water fowl splash and play in their own pond. Hear the piglet squeal and the rooster crow and pet the bunnies and Guinea Pigs.

How-To Clinics
Learn home composting technique and reduce your curbside waste, get tips on using environmentally-friendly household products, how to carry out an energy audit and well maintenance practices and water testing techniques to ensure quality water for your family, as well as ways to maintain your septic system for longer and more effective life, and more.

Exhibit Area
Learn about wind and solar energy, green architecture, energy audit, geothermal, biodiesel, fishing tips, recycling opportunities, hybrid cars, water conservation, and more.
See below for List of Exhibitors

Pledges
Make Your Efforts Count for More- Both teams and individuals are invited to help support GVA's mission by asking for pledges from friends and associates. Funds raised that go to GVA will be used for the continuation of our work in protecting our watershed area and your drinking water.

The team and individual bringing in the most pledges of $500 and above will receive a prize. Pledges of $500 and more must be report to the office prior to May 3rd.

Sample PLEDGE LETTER for inviting support from family, friends, and associates and a PLEDGE FORM HERE to be provided.

Family Bike Tour
Bring your bikes! Enjoy a family bike ride on the county road. This will consist of a 2.5 mile loop, for every loop completed the biker will get a card to win a prize. All participants are required to wear a helmet and complete a wavier form.

Teachers! Take Note
We hope you have already learned about this educational opportunity through your school and are discussing ways to use the Envirofest in your curriculum.

Participation in GVA's Envirofest is an ideal way for you and your students to meet environmental education requirements, form a team to enjoy a community service opportunity or boost classroom credits.

Envirofest gives students a fun, active way to learn about their watershed-the system of creeks, streams and rivers that meanders through our region-and begin to understand how the activities of daily life affect it. It's also a great opportunity for young people to experience first-hand the feeling of "community" that emerges when educators, friends, neighbors, local businesses, families, politicians, and others join together to support a common cause: The protection of Chester County's natural resources.

Selective Highlights- Films and Presentations
To be provided at a later date!