WNC celebrates Earth Week

Western Nevada College celebrates the 39th anniversary of Earth Day by rolling out a new "we care" logo for sustainability projects on campus, a film festival, tree plantings, displays of hybrid and electric cars, and a seminar on crops that make more efficient use of water in our desert environment.

Auto Display: On Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, Western's Carson City campus will have hybrid and electric cars on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Rotary Plaza between the Bristlecone and Aspen buildings and on the walkway west of the Dini Library.

Tree Planting: Student government members at WNC Fallon campus are soliciting donations of shade trees to be planted on campus during Earth Week. To date, trees have been donated by Dennis Gailey of the Medicine Shoppe, Mark Hyde of Hyde Construction, and Jesse Dushane. The students also hope to obtain a heavy picnic table and create an outdoor eating area on the west end of campus.

Film Fest: "The Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival" plays Thursday, April 23, 7 p.m. at Marlette Hall in the Cedar Building, WNC Carson. Cost is $5 with Western student ID and $8 for the general public.

Running from five to 35 minutes each, a wide range of films will showcase international filmmaking from animated shorts to real life adventures and experiences.

Festival organizer Valerie Andersen said, "Not only will you be entertained, but also motivated to help make our world a better place. You'll experience the adrenaline of outdoor adventures, explore important issues and movements, see how others have made a difference, and maybe, think about what you could do to help."

Andersen said there will be several information exhibitors at the event beginning at 6 p.m., including University of California, Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center; Carson City Parks and Recreation Dept.; The Nature Conservancy's Carson City River Project; the Sierra Club; Friends of Nevada Wilderness; and Lake Tahoe Baikal Institute. Sponsors are the South Yuba River Citizens League, Patagonia, Clif Bars, and Sierra Nevada Ale. Call 775-445-3234 for tickets and information.

Wise Water Use: Western's Specialty Crop Institute is hosting a seminar on growing flowers for the floral industry on Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, at WNC Carson City. Cost is $50 if registered by April 21; includes a visit to Smith & Smith Farms in Dayton on Saturday. Call 423-5186 in WNC Fallon for registration and information.