Bellevue will celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with activities designed to honor the environment and promote awareness about the importance of trees.

Residents can pull weeds, make birdfeeders and attend a ceremonial tree planting at Bellevue’s annual Earth Day-Arbor Day event, on Saturday, April 17, at Lewis Creek Park, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. On Wednesday, April 21, people can participate in a five-kilometer walk along the Lake Hills Greenbelt Trail.

Events at Earth Day-Arbor Day will include:

Volunteer Projects, 8:30 to 11 a.m.: Approximately 300 volunteers will participate in park enhancement projects at Lewis Creek Park. Projects will include planting, trail resurfacing and removal of invasive species. Volunteers should call 425-452-4195 to pre-register.

Family Festival, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Families can make their own plaster tracks or a bird feeder, discover the wonders of a wetland and investigate insects under a microscope at eco-stations throughout the park.

Ceremonial Tree Planting, 11:30 a.m.: Featuring Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2995, with special guest Peter Goldmark, state Commissioner of Public Lands. Environmental stewardship volunteers and winners of the 2010 Earth Day-Arbor Day poster art contest will be recognized. A prize drawing will take place immediately following the ceremony.

Little Lake-to-Lake Earth Day 5K Walk
From 2 to 6 p.m., on April 21, walkers can explore the historic Lake Hills Greenbelt Park, a trail and more that connects natural, historic and agricultural areas between Larsen and Phantom lakes. Earth education stations are set up along the way.

Highlights will include the Larsen Lake Pioneer Cabin, King County Master Gardener’s site, Eastside Audubon Society, Bellevue Stream Team and PSE Green Power Program. The walk is family-friendly and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Check in at the start point to receive your Earth Day Walk Passport then start walking. Parking and start of the walk is located at the Lake Hills Greenbelt Community Gardens at 156th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 16th Street.

The Little Lake-to-Lake Earth Day Walk is the first in a four-part series of free walking events showcasing the best of Bellevue’s parks and open spaces. The walks promote health and wellness, while connecting people with Bellevue’s art, parks, natural and historic sites.

In addition to the Little Lake-to-Lake 5K, walks include the Art and Park 10K downtown on May 22; the Lake-to-Lake Greenway Trail 15K on Sept. 18 and the Lewis Creek 5K on Oct. 10.

Walks vary in length from five to 15 kilometers and are produced by American Volkssport Association and Bellevue Parks & Community Services, in partnership with Whole Foods Market Bellevue.

For more information, contact Debbie Pettersson at 425-452-7106 or dpettersson@bellevuewa.gov.