Learn about the small changes you can make each day to help preserve our environment. This is a free, fun, family festival organized by City and County departments, local businesses, and citizen advocates to raise awareness of the many ways in which residents can make a difference in preserving the environment.

Saturday, April 19
10 a.m. –  3 p.m.
Ray's Splash Planet
215 North Sycamore Street

Highlights:

• Art Display
• Children's activities (full schedule available online)
• Display of alternative fuel cars
• Exhibitors
• Musical entertainment
• Rain barrel sales (advance orders by phone, call 311)

Visit http://earthday.charmeck.org for more information.

Charlotte's Earth Day festival is supported, in part, with a Project Grant from the Arts & Science Council.

Join City of and County elected officials, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and Charlotte Trolley Inc. on Sunday, April 20, as they restart service of the Charlotte Trolley Line at Atherton Mill, located at 2104 South Boulevard. Festivities, which include free trolley rides, kick off at 1 p.m. and will run until 5 p.m. 

We all know saving water is a great thing to do for the environment. But now it's good for bragging rights, too. Because every drop you save could make you a winner. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities recognizes outstanding efforts by special customers every year as our communities' Water Stars. Share your innovative water-saving ideas with us and you may be rewarded as with a gift package.

Application forms are available at cmutilities.com. The deadline is Tuesday, April 29. So fill it out, fax or mail it in and maybe you will be named the 2008 Water Star.

The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department will unveil and dedicate the Robert L. Smith District Park Wednesday, May 14. The park honors Officer Smith who was shot and killed January 15, 1987 while responding to a call about someone shooting into a condominium complex. Officer Smith was a seven year veteran of the Charlotte Police Department and was 27-years-old. His death occurred before the consolidation of city and county police departments in 1993.

Wednesday, May 14
11 a.m.
Robert L. Smith District Park 
1604 Little Rock Road

Whether you are pedaling to better health, to save money, for cleaner air, losing weight or to have fun—it's time to "Set Your Life in Motion" during the eighth annual BIKE! Charlotte event.

The Charlotte Department of Transportation, CATS and Charlotte Sports Cycling are hosting one of the healthiest events in town. 2008 BIKE! Charlotte events start Thursday, May 1 and run through Sunday, May 11.  The event agenda includes bicycle-related activities and promotions to encourage families, friends and colleagues to break out the bike and integrate it into their daily routine.

The 10-day event begins Thursday with a bike safety program at the Naomi Drennan Recreation Center, but kicks into high gear with the Mayor's Ride/Bike to Breakfast in Uptown Charlotte. For more detailed information on the week of events visit www.bike-charlotte.org.

Tune in this week to hear about new solar powered park and pay stations in Uptown, affordable housing for seniors, and more!