Celebrate the Earth in Hershey

Local Attractions Offer Special Events Surrounding Earth Day

Hershey, Pa., 2013-04-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Right in time for Earth Day, both ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park and Hershey Gardens offer guests two unique ways to celebrate the planet on Sunday, April 21 with their “Party for the Planet” and “Gardenfest” events.

ZooAmerica invites guests to experience “Party for the Planet” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free with regular admission, this fair-like event offers visitors the chance to explore stations throughout the Zoo that feature conservation tips and best environmental practices from both Zoo employees and community partners.

Guests can learn what recycled materials are used to introduce animals to new objects within their exhibits; discover behind-the-scenes conservation projects that happen at the Zoo; enjoy musical entertainment; see featured animal feedings at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and more.

Additional “Party for the Planet” event participants include the Penn State Master Gardeners, Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction, Farmers Market in Hershey, Art of Recycle, Prescott’s Patch and more.

During the event, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company will showcase its environmental practices and recycling efforts including its Food Waste Program between ZooAmerica and The Hotel Hershey, where the animals receive left over food scraps as part of their diets. Guests also can learn how the company’s 2012 recycling efforts have a positive impact on the earth through its saving of packaging and raw materials. For example, recycling efforts helped conserve 8.2 million gallons of water and 126,250 gallons of oil that would provide enough energy to heat and cool more than 619 homes for one year.

“Party for the Planet” is an initiative of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) to recognize and celebrate Earth Day. ZooAmerica, among many other accredited zoos and aquariums in North America, is participating in this event to help create awareness and spread the message of conservation in the community. ZooAmerica is one of only eight AZA members in Pennsylvania.

Also on April 21, Hershey Gardens celebrates the beauty of its 23-acre botanical garden with its free community day event, “Gardenfest.” General admission is free to all guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local organizations offer information about various community and garden programs.

During Gardenfest, guests can also help in the planting of a five foot tall Nordmann Fir tree in the Gardens. This tree was utilized during Christmas programming last December and will now find a permanent home near the M.S. Hershey Tribute Garden.

From mid- to late April, Hershey Gardens expects more than 40,000 tulips to bloom in the Seasonal Display Garden and Children’s Garden.

For more information on ZooAmerica and Hershey Gardens, visit www.HersheyPA.com or call 1-800-HERSHEY (1-800-437-7439).

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MEDIA CONTACT
Rachel Dinbokowitz
radinbokowitz@HersheyPA.com
717-508-5987

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