The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (“ECDEP”) has announced the first-ever WNY Earth Day Challenge, created by the Department and partners to encourage residents to celebrate Earth Day by learning about the environment and taking actions locally.  The Challenge runs from March 21 – April 30, 2022 and features numerous ways for individuals and families to not only learn more about how their activities can help to protect the environment but also participate in environmentally-aware programming.

For every Challenge activity completed participants are entered to win great prizes, including the grand prize of a Fuji Mountain Bike, donated by Bert's Bike & Fitness and valued at $799.

‘The WNY Earth Day Challenge is a good way to learn more about what we can all do to protect the environment and also to take part in actions that help us get there. There will be plenty for all to do so I encourage residents to get involved and celebrate Earth Day in a new way this year,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz.

The WNY Earth Day Challenge is a series of themed activities, actions and events that residents can participate in at various locations around WNY (including at home or school) throughout the month of April.  From see it, to learn it, fix it, do it, or make it – we’ve got it covered!  The actions in the Challenge feature the work of environmental programs and non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the environment in WNY.

To learn more about how to participate, please visit: www.erie.gov/wnyearthdaychallenge .

The WNY Earth Day Challenge spans Erie County and all of Western New York.  For every activity a participant submits, they are entered into a raffle for prizes including a Fuji mountain bike, a year-long membership to the Buffalo Museum of Science, a private group expedition at Penn Dixie, a Birthday Party at Tifft Nature Preserve, gift cards, and more.

Participants are encouraged to share their Earth Month activities online using #WNYEarthDayChallenge and challenge friends, family or students to get involved too.

Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning Dan Castle added, “The Challenge has been designed for individuals to learn more about the work that is going on to improve the environment in WNY and take actions to help protect our special place on the planet. However, there are many activities that can be done with a group, such as a block club, scout troop, church group or classroom.”

ECDEP collaborated closely with numerous partners in the planning of the Challenge, including: the WNY Environmental Alliance, the WNY Youth Climate Council, the Lake Erie Watershed Protection Alliance, the NAACP Environmental Justice Committee, the Buffalo Museum of Science, Tifft Nature Preserve, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Buffalo State College’s Graduate Student Association, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, the Monarch of Infinite Possibilities, UB’s Office of Sustainability, and the Erie County Environmental Management Council.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, visit

https://www2.erie.gov/environment/

# # #