Earth Day started in the United States in 1970 and has since grown to involve 192 countries. In South Florida, this environmentalist movement has morphed and expanded into an entire Earth Week, involving families.

For many of us, Earth Week embodies our kids and being outdoors. It means both fun and educational events.

For students in Palmetto Bay, it meant a ladybug release at their school. In Pinecrest, it was an Earth Day Festival at Pinecrest Gardens with informative workshops and demonstrations on a variety of ecological topics, such as, how to start composting at home.

As Friday rolled around, activities kicked into high gear. Palmetto Bay had about 1500 people show up in Coral Reef Park for their final ladybug release.

Police officer Patience Glasko helped hand out ladybugs to anxiously awaiting kids.

Afterwards, while picnicking families enjoyed Disney’s ‘Frozen’ movie night under the stars, I, MiamiHal, handed out free popcorn with my kids. Families really enjoyed the evening.

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Early the next morning, Palmetto Bay gave away free trees to anyone who came by Ludovici Park behind the public library. Chris Olsen brought his toddler son to pick out the perfect tree for their yard, “We came expecting saplings and when we go here we saw 3-4 year old trees ready to be planted. We’re blessed to live in such a great community.”

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Saturday brought cooperation between Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay for a 10-mile Earth week themed Bike-B-Que, part of the Bike305 initiative.

The event began inside Lakes By The Bay and stopped at the Deering Estate Chinese Bridge for a naturalist talk and then it was off to Ludovici Park for a free BBQ and a bike giveaway sponsored by Mack Cycles.

Cutler Bay resident, Joel Mizelle, reflected on the day, “It’s a great way to celebrate Earth Day…spending time with my family and enjoying the great outdoors.”

Sunday saw a canoe tour of the mangroves in and around the Deering Estate. “I had a blast reconnecting with nature and learning about the protection efforts to care for our delicate coastline,” said Pinecrest’s Lisa Agustino.