Earth Day in Denver

Photo: Green Apple Festival

More than 20,000 people filled City Park for the first edition of the Green Apple Festival in Denver. Talent included Jackie Green, The Heydey, Rose Hill Drive, The Benevento/Russo Duo and the Neville Brothers. Mayor John Hickenlooper and Dominique Foxworth of the Denver Broncos were among the speakers.

The event, hosted by Ron Boswick, the talent director for the Boulder International Film Fest. featured 35 educational booths, green businesses and nonprofits including local groups such as the Colorado Environmental Coalition and national environmental non-profits such as the Sierra Club. Alternative transportation was highly recommended, and the bike valet and shuttle bus were two of the stars of the day.

EDN Greens Ellis Elementary School

In partnership with Green Apple Festival and sponsored by Chase, Earth Day Network chose Denver's Ellis Elementary for a new school greening project. Volunteers created an outdoor classroom with a garden of native species, monitored water and air quality, and addressed energy efficiency and waste in the cafeteria. EDN installed an 8-panel solar energy system that will save the school $48,000 over the next 30 years.