Park Commission Preparing for Eco-Rally

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is organizing its fifth annual Eco-Rally to continue efforts to save energy and reduce the carbon footprint.

According to a release from the commission, between April 1 and April 15, those participating in the rally will begin keeping a daily log of everyday tasks they do that reduce energy and promote greener lifestyles.

Such actions, the release said, could include turning off lights when leaving a room, walking instead of driving, using reusable bags when shopping, planting a native tree or carrying lunch in a reusable container.

Those participating in the rally, the release said, are also being asked to create a display of images that represent their contributions to the environment.

From there, awards will be given for “Most Creative Display,” “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” “Water Conservation,” “Green Thumb” and “Energy Conservation.”

The awards and projects will be shown at the annual Project Earth Swamp Search on April 28 at the Environmental Education Center on Stirling Road in Basking Ridge.

“The Eco-Rally provides an opportunity for individuals to become aware of the little things that people can do as part of their everyday lives that serve to minimize their carbon footprint,” said Carrie Springer, naturalist at the Environmental Education Center, the release said. “The Eco-Rally reinforces the fact that these very important actions are easy to accomplish and little by little, create a significant positive impact on the environment.”

There is no charge for participating in the rally.

For more information or to sign up in advance, call Maria Rossi at 908-766-2489, ext. 334, or email mrossi@scparks.org.