From barn owls and bearded dragons to California kingsnakes and turkey vultures, the opportunity to get up close and hands-on with wildlife at the Summit for the Planet event is always a huge draw. Children and adults alike seem to enjoy the many birds, reptiles and amphibians shared by the Bay Area Amphibian and Reptile Society (BAARS) and Wildlife Education Rehabilitation Center (WERC), two participants in this community eco-festival.
Come and check out the wildlife and many kid-friendly activities at the upcoming 12th annual Summit for the Planet eco-carnival and Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 28. Hosted by Mount Madonna School, this FREE public event features kids games, face painting, live wildlife and reptile exhibits, pony rides, music and food.
Festivities will begin at 11:00am with an array of fun eco-carnival games, tasty foods, exhibits and activities. Free e-waste recycling is also offered (no alkaline batteries or large appliances). The event concludes at 1:30pm.
“Summit for the Planet is an event that simultaneously raises money for our school, so that MMS can make its students happy by keeping classes like physical education and going on many field trips, and it also teaches people and students about how to help the environment,” said seventh grader Mariah Cohen. “It’s a way for teachers to teach their students how to recycle things and re-purpose them to help our earth. For example, instead of buying all new clothes and wasting our materials on clothing, Summit for the Planet includes a Trash Fashion show where the students are allowed to use old plastics, papers or other materials they find in the recycling bin, and turn them into wearable fashion pieces!”
The celebration will spotlight environmental education, and participants will include All Goods Electronics E-Waste Recycling & Surplus, Mt. Madonna Stables, India Gourmet, Marianne’s Ice Cream, Fired Up Fresh wood-fired pizza, and World Centric. Attendance at this annual event has grown to some 500 people of all ages, from across south Santa Clara County and the Monterey Bay areas.
“World Centric is a compostable products company that strives to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability,” said a company spokesperson. “In addition to offsetting all carbon emissions, World Centric donates 25% of pre-tax profits to grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental change.”
The support of key sponsors for Summit for the Planet is very important for sustaining and growing this festival, and event organizers are honored that numerous local businesses are participating, including presenting sponsors SunRidge Farms, the Michael Lee Environmental Foundation (MLEF), and Lazy Suzan Designs. Additional community sponsors include: KAZU 90.3FM, SantaCruzParent.com, Morgan Hill Life, Gilroy Life, and the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
“The annual Summit for the Planet connects the MMS school community with local organizations and businesses supporting the environment and teaching young people the importance of stewardship,” commented Head of School Mary Supriya McDonald. “It’s a day of play and fun for families and all the visitors who join us on the mountaintop.”
Things to know when you go:
12th annual Summit for the Planet eco-carnival and e-waste event, April 28 from 11:00am-1:30pm. Hosted by Mount Madonna School, 491 Summit Road, Mount Madonna, located 2.5 miles off of Hwy. 152, between Gilroy and Watsonville. The celebration has FREE admission. For more information visit: SummitforthePlanet.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/summitfortheplanet, or email .
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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, Director of Marketing & Communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 355 mountaintop acres, Mount Madonna is a safe and nurturing college-preparatory school that supports students in becoming caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.