1 – The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy is hosting an Arbor Day party.

 

The event is at Discovery Preserve, across from Monitor Lanes in Bay City.

They’re calling it the Arbor Day Winterberry Blitz.

The conservancy will be planting 50-75 American Winterberries for Arbor Day, on Friday, April 25, from 3-6 p.m.

The shrubs are great for bird and other wildlife because they provide shelter and a food source during the winter months.

People of all ages are welcome to come out and help.

The Blitz is sponsored by ITC Holdings. There will be snacks, refreshments and work gear available.

Discovery Preserve was formerly known as Euclid Linear Park.

The Conservancy took votes from the public earlier this year to decide on a new nickname.

2 – Earth Day is April 22, and Chippewa Nature Center in Midland is hosting a bunch of activities to celebrate.

The Experience Earth Day event is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.

Children and adults will be able to plant a young tree or bush to help enrich the biodiversity at the center, as well as learn about invasive exotic plants, and help pull invasive garlic mustard.

There also will be tours of the center’s LEED-certified Nature Preschool Building.

You can take home native wildflower seeds and also learn about native Michigan plants, recycling programs, and ways your family can live a “green” lifestyle.

Chippewa Nature Center is on Badour Road in Midland.

3 – DTE Energy has expanded its SolarCurrents program for the third time.

The pilot program allows DTE Energy electric customers to purchase and install solar photovoltaic systems at their home or business by offering financial incentives to help offset out-of-pocket costs. In return, DTE Energy receives renewable energy credits to help it meet the state’s renewable energy standard.

The utility recently selected a third round of projects for SolarCurrents.

The expansion will add 2 megawatts by the end of 2015. DTE had to hold a random drawing for the program because customers submitted 219 applications.

A total of 122 projects were chosen. There were 103 residential awards and 19 small business projects.

A fourth offering is planned for later this year. The deadline is July 23.

You can find out more at DTEEnergy.com/solar.

– Via GLREA