TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Enlarge Image

Teresa Visser, an events and fundraising specialist at Oak Hammock Marsh, performs cleanup duty Wednesday.

LORDY, Lordy -- Earth Day is turning 40 today.

Four decades ago, Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson looked for a way to bring the issues of ecological well-being into the homes of America. His message was received on college campuses across the United States on April 22, 1970, and the annual observance of terra firma was born. It seems Earth Day still has some marketability to it.

Here's a glance at a few of the Earth Day observances taking place around Winnipeg:

Wet and wild

The good folks at Oak Hammock Marsh have a number of events scheduled. Green building tours, demonstrations on how the wetlands help filter water and clean the environment, and a composting workshop are all offered. Come by at 3 p.m. and participate in the trail cleanup. Visit oakhammockmarsh.ca for more details.

Free of charge

In an effort to keep old batteries out of landfills, CAA Manitoba is setting up its annual vehicle battery recycling program. Take your old cells to three Winnipeg locations (870 Empress St.; 2211 McPhillips St.; 501 St. Anne's Rd.) or the Brandon drop-off (305 - 18th Street N.) and help protect the planet from battery assault.

Walk this way

Starting at the Manitoba Legislature at 8:30 a.m., the 'I Walk for Water' event will wind east down Broadway and towards City Hall. Hosted by Manitoba hair salons, the five-kilometre walk is designed to raise awareness and generate funds towards clean drinking water initiatives in east Africa.

Pick of the litter

The Downtown Business Improvement Zone is looking for a few good-natured souls to help out in their annual Earth Day cleanup. Gloves and bags are provided. Volunteers walk away with a free T-shirt and lunch, and a strong sense of civic pride. Two cleanups are planned: From 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at Thunderbird House (715 Main St.); and 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at Air Canada Park (355 Portage Ave.).

Green festival

The St. Mary's Road United Church will be the site for the third annual Earth Day festival. Green minds can sit in on presentations regarding food security and water preservation, while future environmentalists can participate in various children's activities. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 22, 2010 A2

I have really enjoyed this beautiful Earth Day.  Besides fitting in some time to work I brought my Grampa some tulips and went for a run and went for a walk with my 2 year old neice to the park.  Well, we didn't pick up litter or plant a tree today, we enjoyed being outside.  Happy Earth Day!