ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The City of Orangeburg Parks and Recreation Department hosted an Earth Day celebration filled with arts, crafts and education on Friday.
Local members of the community had the opportunity to hear from "Gabby Greenleaves" about the importance of nature, how to use leaves for decorations and painting rocks for a garden.
Jennifer Van Cleave is the Public Information Officer for the City of Orangeburg. She says having activities for children during spring break was ideal.
“We know this kids for the most part are our this week for spring break and we thought this would be a fun opportunity for them to do some educational activities and things for them to do while they’re out of school this week and we want them to learn about their environment and nature," said Van Cleave. "So this is just a great opportunity to get them out of the house and do some fun things while they’re learning too.”
Kimber Widener and Arabella Lee are girl scouts who were trying to get the junior bronze award. They came up with the idea to create a kindness rock garden at the park.
“We decided to do the kindness rock garden to spread joy in the community and encourage citizens around the community for like an everyday pick me up,” said Widener. “It’s easy and encourage so why not.”
The local alumni chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority donated four crepe myrtle trees that will be planted in Orangeburg parks and playgrounds.
Linda Foster is a member of the chapter she says, this is one of the many initiatives the chapter is working on in their community.
“There is needs to enhance the environment everywhere and county wide since most of our members are in this particular area, we chose Orangeburg,” said Foster. “Our chapter is located here and so we will eventually go out to other parts of Orangeburg County at large but we are focusing right now in the city and since earth day was coming up what a better way to have this, donate the trees during this time.”
Those in attendance were also given the chance to tour the grounds at Edisto Memorial Gardens with experts.
Crystal McKibbin is a homeschools her three kids. She says this is an opportunity for them to get out of the house and explore.
“We love doing activities, making new friends we saw the ducks and all the turtles over there,” said McKibbin. “I just think they need to be out exploring and having little adventures.”
The first thirty families that showed up were also given a free bur oak seedling to take home and plant.