Dear Earthlings: There are plenty of ways to celebrate Earth Day’s 40th anniversary in the Hudson Valley! The big party for our planet — the Hudson Valley 40th Anniversary Earth Day Celebration — takes place at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on April 24-25 (read all about it here). Here are a few more:Clean and ScenicScenic Hudson hosts a trail maintenance and cleanup day at Mount Beacon Park. Please wear clothing suited for the weather and sturdy shoes; bring water and lunch. April 22 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wolcott and Howland Ave., Beacon. 845-473-4440, ext. 273Make Your MarkRenowned climatologist Mark Cane speaks at Bard College about some of the impacts of climate variations on human history. The lecture is free and open to the public. April 22 at 7:30 p.m. Annandale-On-Hudson. 845-752-2345Pirates For Ye Planet!The H.M.S. Bounty (a ship built by Disney in 1960 which was used in Pirates of the Caribbean and other films) arrives at Newburgh Landing for a pirate weekend. Tours available April 23-25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ($7, $5 children); a pirate contest takes place on April 24 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 845-569-7354Walk the WalkHabitat for Humanity’s 11th annual “Walk for Housing,” held in Newburgh’s Historic Downing Park, raises awareness — and funds — for the group’s efforts to renovate housing for the less fortunate. After the walk, join a family-friendly celebration in the park. April 25 at 1 p.m. 845-569-7354Take a HikeHike-A-Thon 2010 kicks off the day’s events at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Afterwards, the museum offers a plethora of activities at the Outdoor Discovery Center, including a “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” community yard sale. April 24 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 100 Muser Dr. (across from 174 Angola Rd.), Cornwall. 845-534-5506, ext. 204 or www.hhnaturemuseum.orgBear NecessitiesHelp make treats for the bears — and watch them get eaten up afterwards — at the Bear Mountain Trailside Museums and Zoo. There’s plenty more to enjoy, too, including games, nature displays, and live music. April 24 from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain. 845-786-2701, ext. 293Flower PowerBring a 24-inch or larger flowerpot, work gloves, and a trowel to the Pelham Art Center for their Flowerpot Workshop. A local landscape company provides soil and flowers for you to plant and take home. April 24 from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 155 Fifth Ave. Pelham. 914-738-2525 or gallery@pelhamartcenter.orgSpring CleaningThe recently christened Kingston Corridor — as well as the rest of New York’s original capital city — gets a makeover during the Kingston Clean Sweep spring litter cleanup sponsored by the Friends of Historic Kingston. April 24 from 9 a.m.-12 noon. 845-339-2640
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