April 18, 2006 -- In conjunction with Earth Day, students from the Tribal Leadership Center at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro will participate in environmental activities at Craighead Forest Park and the Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center on Saturday, April 22.

Additional volunteers are urgently needed to assist ASU students with various projects during the day. The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Craighead Forest Park and the Nature Center will provide a free lunch for all who participate.

Volunteers do not have to work the entire time, just an hour or two is greatly appreciated, said Taneshia Johnson, ASU Earth Day coordinator.

“ASU students are looking for help from the community with this to help the Nature Center and Craighead Forest. This could be a good project for Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and church youth groups who would like to get out and do something on Earth Day for the community,” she said.

Activities will include tree planting, dirt work, trail work, aquatic planting, mulching, seeding, flower bed preparation, clean-up and camping area improvements. Volunteers need to report to Pavilion 1 at Craighead Forest Park when they arrive, Johnson said.
Earth Day evolved from an idea of U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1962. Then, in 1970 the United States held the first official Earth Day by having a nationwide grassroots demonstration. Since that time, there has been a continuous celebration of improving the environment.

For more details, please call Jason Wilkie, director of Jonesboro Parks and Recreation at 870-933-4604 or Taneshia Johnson at 870-972-2055 or via email at taneshia.johnson@smail.astate.edu.