Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission -
Air Quality Partners

The Air Quality Partnership, a program of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), has the distinction of having participated in all 10 EarthFest celebrations at Temple University Ambler as an exhibitor and sponsor. At EarthFest 2012, the Air Quality Partnership will recognize partners that have “gone above and beyond” in their efforts to increase awareness about air pollution or taken steps to decrease air pollution. The recipients will be Philadelphia Air Management Services and Shire Pharmaceuticals. The presentation will be made on the EarthFest Main Stage at 10:45 a.m. Serving the Greater Philadelphia, Camden, Trenton, Chester area for more than 40 years, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is an interstate, intercounty and intercity agency that provides continuing, comprehensive, and coordinated planning to shape a vision for the future growth of the Delaware Valley region.  

The Dow Chemical Company

At EarthFest 2012, Dow's exhibit will include a more than three-foot-tall "SmartPhone" and the Solar Panel Plus Touch Screen Quiz! EarthFest primary contributing sponsor Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture.

Elmwood Park Zoo
The Elmwood Park Zoo will present a half hour live animal show on the EarthFest Main Stage called "Animal Ambassadors" in addition to presenting interactive "animal biofacts" at their exhibitor booth that help promote the zoo's mission - to foster an appreciation of wildlife and their habitats that will ensure active participation in conservation. The United Nations has declared 2011-2012 the International Year of the Bat to draw attention to the plight of these misunderstood but ecologically vital creatures. Bats are in danger of disappearing due to threats from disease, loss of habitat, and wind turbine collisions. Stop by the Elmwood Park Zoo booth to learn more about these fascinating animals and why they are so essential to the health of our natural world. The Elmwood Park Zoo was founded in 1924. In 1985, the Norristown Zoological Society became an official non-profit organization, and assumed control of Elmwood Park Zoo from the Borough of Norristown. Today, Elmwood Park Zoo welcomes over 130,000 visitors annually for an educational adventure in a fun, clean, and family-oriented environment.

Fairmount Waterworks Interpretive Center and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation

The Fairmount Waterworks Interpretive Center, supported by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation will provide information about Philadelphia's innovative "Green City, Clean Waters" program while also promoting watershed awareness. The Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center tells the story of the Schuylkill River and its human connections throughout history. It is a valuable tale with timeless lessons about the need to balance the demands of development with those natural resources that make development possible. With the river flowing along its buildings and the city skyline rising behind it, the Water Works bridges the natural and urban environments, as it has from the first.

Farm Park Preservation Association

The Farm Park Preservation Association will promote the Norristown Farm Park through sales of the international award-winning children's book Bark! Bark! Bark for My Park! which recounts the true story of the little dog who helped save the park from destruction. Authors, both human and canine, will be on hand (and paw) for a book signing. The Farm Park Preservation Association (FPPA) is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of the Norristown Farm Park in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

The Franklin Institute

What is energy, and how is it used to power everything from power plants to your body? In "The Energy Show," the Franklin Institute will demonstrate how different kinds of energy can be transformed from one to another including kinetic, thermal, electrical, chemical, potential and stored. They will then put them together to form one large energy transfer machine. This Main Stage program will explore the science concepts of transformation of energy, thermodynamics and the law of conservation. Franklin Institute Traveling Science Shows are designed to involve students in discovering new aspects of science. All generate an infectious enthusiasm that spills over into the classroom! At EarthFest 2012, The Franklin will also present the Electricity Tabletop Exploration. Let their Traveling Scientist be your guide through electrifying experiments! This interactive display includes favorites such as the Van de Graaff generator, plasma ball, jumping rings, and energy bike.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania
Go green with hands-on activities girl scouts use to discover, connect, and take action in their communities. At EarthFest, learn about butterlfies by making pollinators for flowers and make a colorful butterfly ring of your favorite native species. Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) serves over 41,000 girls ages five through 17 in Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia Counties. GSEP was chartered on May 1, 2007. GSEP is a volunteer-based non-profit organization with over 14,000 adult volunteers.

Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities

Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities will showcase vehicles that run on alternative fuels at EarthFest 2012. Get a close look at vehicles powered by electricity, propane, and compressed natural gas. The organization will also demonstrate an electric charging unit. The Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities Program is a non-profit coalition working to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector. The organization serves as a public-private partnership designed to promote the use and infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles, or AFVs, in Eastern Pennsylvania. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities is one of 90 coalitions nationwide that contribute to the energy, environmental, and economic security of the United States by supporting local decisions to reduce our dependence on imported petroleum. 

Impact Thrift Stores

As an alternative to taking items to landfills, Impact Thrift Stores graciously accepts gently used clothing, housewares, furniture and other donated items. The net proceeds from the sales provide financial support to a variety of local charities. At Impact Thrift Stores, you will find clothing, furniture, bric-a-brac and books, jewelry, household items, appliances and more! Impact Thrift Store's desire is to keep the quality of its merchandise high and their customers happy as they achieve their goal of financially supporting locally-based charities.

The Insectarium
Come see and learn about some of the most amazing animals on Earth! Animals? Yes, insects are animals too. They and their fellow arthropods all play a very important role in balancing our planet. The Insectarium is the country's largest exhibited all arthropod museum. The collections are from all over the world! The Insectarium's extensive live collection demonstrates natural habitats of many unusual insects, trantuals, scorpions, and crustaceans.

Montgomery County Beekeepers Association

In an effort to provide a greater understand of honeybees and connect inhabitants of the region with local beekeepers, the Montgomery County Beekeepers Association will display a model beehive, educational materials about the honeybee, honey comb with honey and pollen, and an observation hive with live honeybees. The organization will also have local honey for sale.

Montgomery County Health Department
The Montgomery County Health Department will present information on the Department's water quality management programs and water pollution prevention. This interactive display will educate visitors about water pollution, water contaminants, and water conservation practices, including environmental health information related to on-lot well water and sewage disposal systems.

Montgomery County Recycles!

Learn about recycling in Montgomery County! The Waste System Authority of Montgomery County will provide educational brochures and handouts about various reuse and recycling options throughout the county, such as the Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection Program and the Automotive Tire Collection Program. Visitors will also have a chance to get hands-on with a variety of recycled products!

Montgomery Media
Part of the All Around Philly Newspaper Network, Montgomery Media has been an EarthFest media sponsor from the very beginning. Find out what's happening in your community with Montgomery Newspapers as they promote recycling paper products at Temple University Ambler!

Ms. Tia's Arts-N-Sparks

Arts-N-Sparks provides schools, scouts, museums, libraries and nature centers with affordable hands-on enrichment programs, assemblies, displays, events and materials. Visit the Arts-N-Sparks booth to register for the 2013 Bug Olympics! Ms. Tia’s Arts-N-Sparks is an enrichment learning service which provides arts and science events, programs, classes, rental products and kits to schools, non profit organizations, businesses and families or groups.  

Munro Ecological Services Inc.

Munro Ecological Services will present an exhibit highlighting ecological restoration centered on stream restoration - stream degradation and restoration will be exhibited. The 12-foot long stream table will include an active waterway demonstration.

National Park Service

The northeast regional office of the U.S. National Park Service will provide information about its "ProRanger" program, a partnership between the National Park Service and the Temple University Criminal Justice Training Program, which is located at the Ambler Campus. The NPS will also provide information about youth employment opportunities, volunteer opportunities at area parks, and displays about protecting natural resources.  Learn how you can become involved in the conservation of fragile resources in your national parks.

New York Life Insurance Company, Greater Philadelphia Office

Kids Grow… New York Life wants to assure that kids grow in a safe and financially secure environment. As part of the company's community outreach program, the Greater Philadelphia Office of New York Life Insurance Company will be providing a free Child ID to any student accompanied by a parent/guardian. This free Child ID kit is a valuable safety net to help parent in the event a child become lost or missing. It contains all of the relevant information the authorities would need to help assure the safe return of the child.  In addition to our free Child ID program we will have fun activities and games for children. Stop by to learn more about this and other community outreach programs conducted by Greater Philadelphia office, including educational seminars like “Raising Financially Responsible Children” developed in conjunction with Neale Godfrey, an acknowledged expert on family and children's finances and author of Money Doesn't Grow on Trees.

Peace Advocacy Network

The Peace Advocacy Network's EarthFest exhibit will feature a display showing the environmental cost of various food items showing how plant products use significantly less resources. The Peace Advocacy Network (PAN), founded in 2010, is a grassroots group completely run by volunteers. PAN strives for the absence of violence in the lives of animals - human and non-human alike. Campaigns include vegan advocacy, humane facts education, horse-drawn carriage ban, as well as human rights issues.

PECO Energy

PECO puts its energy into helping their customers save money. PECO Smart Ideas – a full suite of energy saving programs is designed to help keep more of your hard-earned dollars where they belong … in your wallet. The PECO Smart Ideas team will be on hand with a lighting demonstration and information on energy efficient home appliance and equipment rebates and tips for reducing your home's overall energy consumption. EarthFest 2012 sponsor PECO is doing more than just providing energy, they're working to make a difference in our communities. PECO understands that being a business leader involves more than being a reliable provider of energy services. It also means being an important part of the communities it serves and working to sustain our environment.

Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association's exhibit will explain planning in Pennsylvania and its relationship to the environment and sustainability, including sprawl, open space preservation, and redevelopment. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association, an EarthFest 2012 sponsor, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for professional planners and planning officials, as well as other organizations and individuals interested in planning. Approximately 1,300 members strong, PPA works to promote planning at all levels of the Commonwealth through workshops, meetings, an annual conference, legislative monitoring, and public awareness efforts. PPA members participate with various groups with shared values and goals.

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
One of the first EarthFest exhibitors, the PA DCNR will provide visitors with workbooks and posters that include valuable information about protecting the environment. Established in 1995, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is charged with maintaining and preserving the 117 state parks; managing the 2.1 million acres of state forest land; providing information on the state's ecological and geologic resources; and establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space and natural areas.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Staff from the Department of Environmental Protection's southeast regional office will be on hand to distribute environmental education information and answer questions from EarthFest participants. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is the state agency largely responsible for administering Pennsylvania's environmental laws and regulations. Its responsibilities include: reducing air pollution; making sure our drinking water is safe; protecting water quality in our rivers and streams; making sure waste is handled properly; supporting community renewal and revitalization; promoting advanced energy technology; and helping citizens prevent pollution and comply with the Commonwealth's environmental regulations. DEP is committed to general environmental education and encouraging effective public involvement in setting environmental policy.

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Plant One Million Campaign

Three states. Thirteen counties. One tree at a time. Plant One Million, the nation’s first multi-state tree project, will reach teachers, students, and families throughout the region at the Junior Flower Show. Attendees will get a chance to learn about the innovative tree planting program, participate in fun crafts and activities, and have the opportunity to become a tree champion by taking the Plant One Million pledge. Since the project launched last spring, more than 152,000 new trees have been planted in 13 counties across three states. Plant One Million is led by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the TreeVitalize program of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the New Jersey Tree Foundation, and the Delaware Center for Horticulture.

Pennsylvania Resources Council
The Pennsylvania Resources Council's (PRC) will provide important information about environmentally healthy lifestyle choices. The PRC's Litter Bug mascot will be on hand to greet visitors and share important information about preserving Pennsylvania's natural resources! A nonprofit citizens’ action organization founded in 1939, the PRC serves as a vital link between industry, government, and grass-roots organizations — initiating dialogue between these groups to seek solutions to environmental problems.

Pennypack Farm and Education Center

The Pennypack Farm and Education Center will share information about how sustainable agriculture affects you. Learn about vegetables and composting with Pennypack Farm. Guided by their mission and core values, Pennypack Farm works with children, families, community groups, and environmental and educational institutions to encourage awareness and the creation of sustainable local food systems by offering educational programs and a community supported agriculture demonstration project.

Pennypack Farm's mission is to make local sustainable agriculture an important part of our communities through farming, education, and community events.

Philadelphia Water Department (Office of Watersheds)
The Department will share the vision behind the Green City, Clean Waters Plan to unite the City of Philadelphia with its water environment, creating a green legacy for future generations while incorporating a balance between ecology, economics, and equity. The exhibit will also include a macro invertebrate identification exercise entitled "Good Bugs/Bad Bugs" to demonstrate how insects are tools in determining water quality health.

Philadelphia Zoo
"Tree Dwellers": Be a part of the Zoo on Wheels on the EarthFest Main Stage! The Philadelphia Zoo’s animals don’t just stay in Philadelphia! Through the Zoo’s “Zoo On Wheels” program, traveling naturalists bring animals and bio-facts to students from pre-school through 12th grade for an educational and exciting encounter with wildlife! Be a part of the Zoo on Wheels! In addition to their Main Stage Program, the Zoo will present a booth exhibit with live animals and information on the Zoo, conservation, the Footprints Sustainability Program, and ways to help the environment at home. America’s first Zoo and one of the region’s foremost conservation organizations, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to more than 1,500 animals, many of which are rare and endangered. The Zoo, fulfilling its mission of conservation, science, education and recreation, supports and engages in conservation efforts to protect endangered species around the world.

Plant Ambler
Plant Ambler will provide information about community beautification programs in addition to holding a "mini-essay" contact about flowers and volunteering. Plant Ambler is a community beautification effort staffed entirely by volunteers and supported by donations. Volunteers have been providing displays such as spring pansies, fall mums and winter greens throughout the borough since 1973. The staff experts are always willing to share knowledge about gardening with the “green” newcomers. If you would like to help them make Ambler a more attractive place to live and work by donating your time or money, you can call them at 215-643-4929.

PNC Bank

Recognizing the importance of wise investments, the PNC Financial Services Group strives to integrate its day-to-day business practices with environmental responsibility. PNC's nationally recognized commitment to green building practices has enabled the company to lower costs, increase efficiency and productivity as well as enhance communities where people live, work, and play. At EarthFest, PNC will highlight "green checking," including information about PNC's "virtual wallet." PBC's "prize wheel" will also give students the opportunity to win environmental prizes such a seed packets and recycled pens!

Renewal by Andersen

Renewal by Andersen has replaced over two million windows in over 300,000 homes. From an energy and environmental perspective, this is a significant accomplishment. A little known, but alarming fact is that the average home uses significantly more energy and is responsible for more carbon emissions than the average automobile. Making homes more energy efficient benefits property values, neighborhood livability, and keeps older homes relevant longer. Replacing inefficient windows and doors is beneficial in lowering your energy cost and consumption, and gives you more control of your comfort and pocketbook. When Andersen Corporation founded Renewal by Andersen, it wasn’t creating the first window replacement company. To succeed, Andersen had to become the first to redefine the industry by bringing the latest energy and material technology to homeowners looking for a start-to-finish window replacement service.

Sesame Place

At EarthFest, Sesame Place will be teaching the public about its Sesame Place Cares program, best practices for conservation and how Sesame Place utilizes best practices at the park. They'll also have a furry friend (or two) along for their visit. Sesame Place Cares is a collection of programs and initiatives in the park, in the surrounding communities and around the world that symbolize Sesame Place's commitment to conservation, education and community service. Part of the Sesame Place Cares mission is to promote the conservation of wildlife and “the world we share” in addition to promoting conservation initiatives throughout the world. Sesame Place is located 30 minutes north of Philadelphia. Share in the spirit of imagination with your kids at Sesame Place — where you can experience Sesame Street together through whirling rides, water slides, colorful shows and furry friends. And where you’ll discover that sometimes, the best part of their childhood is rediscovering yours!

Springfield Township Shade Tree Committee

The Springfield Township Shade Tree Committee will share information about the importance of the tree canopy through displays, handouts, discussion and a raffle with prizes! Springfield Township is a 6.16 square mile suburban community located along the Northwest border of the City of Philadelphia. Situated in the Southeastern part of Montgomery County, Springfield is surrounded by the townships of Abington, Cheltenham, Upper Dublin and Whitemarsh, as well as the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia.

Upper Dublin Township

Event sponsor Upper Dublin Township will provide educational information regarding recycling, composting and sustainability. Upper Dublin will also display the township's large "tub grinder" truck, which is used for land-clearing and wood recycling operations.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mid-Atlantic Region

If you happen to notice not just one but several exhibitor banners at EarthFest 2012 that read “U.S. EPA” this year, you’re not imagining things. Several divisions of the U.S. EPA office for the Mid-Atlantic Region have joined together to present a veritable village of important information on everything from childhood asthma to superfund site cleanup. U.S. EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Shawn M. Garvin will also be on hand to help kick off EarthFest 2012’s Main Stage programming at 9:45 a.m. with a special welcome to EarthFest visitors. Four EPA divisions from the Mid-Atlantic Region will be participating in EarthFest year, including Air Protection presenting "Childhood Asthma;" Water Protection prsenting "Watersense;" Land and Chemicals presenting "Childhood Lead Poison Prevention" and E-Cycling, Recycling, and Pollution Prevention;" and Hazardous Site Cleanup presenting "Superfund Cleanup and Brownfields Revitalization" and special tours of an EPA Emergency Communication Support Vehicle.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Through games and demonstrations, EarthFest participants will become a migrating bird and travel through different countries. Will you be successful enough to have a nest full of young? Visitors will also learn about backyard habitats. Since its establishment in 1972, the Refuge has worked with local students and teachers in the surrounding school districts to provide environmental education. Its programs focus on providing teachers the information and skills they need to use the Refuge as their outdoor classroom. Over 6,000 students participate in field trips at the Refuge each year. Whether it's a pond study, tree identification, or poetry, the Refuge's surroundings provide a perfect setting to discover and learn about the outdoors.

Waste Management

In addition to generously providing trash and recycling receptacles for EarthFest 2012, Waste Management will have a large trash/recycle truck on hand and provide visitors a play-by-play on how the vehicle and its driver work to keep our neighborhoods clean throughout the region. Waste Management will also share information about its Think Green program, the importance of recycling, and the company's commitment to the environment.

Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association (WVWA) is a non-profit land trust founded in 1957 to protect the quality and the beauty of the Wissahickon Creek. For fifty-two years WVWA has made a critical difference in protecting the local environment in the 64 square miles of the Creek’s watershed. WVWA has worked with landowners, local municipalities, Montgomery County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to preserve and improve woods, meadows and wetlands in the Watershed. WVWA has protected over 1,100 acres of natural, open space in the Wissahickon Watershed.

Wondergy

"CoolScience:" Hammer a nail into solid wood with a banana? Blow up a balloon ... from the outside? Wondergy will help you explore how matter changes from solid to liquid to gas with liquid nitrogen. At 320 degrees below zero, it’s the coolest stuff around! Topics of this fascinating presentation will include: molecules, thermal motion, heat transfer, air pressure, density, physical changes, and more! At its booth exhibit, Wondergy will presenta variety of experiments sure to inspire the imagination! The Wondergy exhibit booth will be supported this year by the Ellis A. Gimbel Trust.

Temple University Exhibitors at EarthFest

Planning Playground

Want to learn how to plan towns and cities with the latest technologies while protecting and preserving the environment and natural resources? Want to learn about careers that will help you directly impact your communities? Visit the Planning Playground at EarthFest 2012 and explore the planning field, mapping with technology, and sustainability through fun, interactive games and projects. The Planning Playground is presented by event host the Center for Sustainable Communities, the Department of Community and Regional Planning, the Ambler Campus Sustainability Council, and the Temple Planning Society.

Ambler Campus Sustainability Council
Student members of the Sustainability Council will lead visitors in building sculptures using recyclable materials.

Center for Sustainable Communities at Temple University Ambler
Event host the Center for Sustainable Communities will showcase some of its completed and ongoing projects with the help of Geographic Information Systems maps, posters, reports, and handouts in addition to letting visitors try their hand at mapping too! The Center for Sustainable Communities was established to develop and promote new approaches to protect and preserve quality of life through sustainable development, balancing the relationship between environmental integrity, economic prosperity, and social equity. A working resource for government agencies, community organizations, and developers, the Center provides objective information and services to improve decision-making relative to land use and water resources planning in addition to conducting interdisciplinary research and offering educational and community outreach programs.

Temple University Ambler Department of Community and Regional Planning
The Department of Community and Regional Planning will showcase selected student projects and provide information about the program and courses focusing on sustainability and environmental issues in addition to offering interactive games for students.

Temple Planning Student Organization

Community and Regional Planning students will offer interactive games for elementary, middle, and high school students, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, building a neighborhood, and planning a date using GIS!

Philly Worm Breeders

Worm bins are an effective and fun way to celebrate Earth Day all year round by turning banana peels, potato skins and other kitchen wastes into nutritious plant foods. "Vermicomposting," as it's known, is easy, no-fuss, and no-smell. By raising worms in a small bin in your basement or kitchen cupboard, you can reduce your trash and greenhouse gas emissions while creating rich composts that help house plants and garden flowers and vegetables thrive. We will be demonstrating the preparation of a worm bin, the proper care of worms, and the compost and fertilizer products of composting with worms.

Planting the Seeds of Learning

Learn about careers that directly impact the world around you through hands-on projects, such as planting plugs, learning how to recycle, and discovering careers that will place you on the front lines of designing sustainable landscapes. The Planting the Seeds of Learning tent is presented by the Landscape Architecture and Horticulture Student Association and the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture.

Landscape Architecture and Horticulture Association

The Landscape Architecture and Horticulture Student Association will provide a hands-on lesson in horticulture and sustainability as they help our student visitors pot seedlings of their own to take home in personalized containers. Students will also share important information about our sustainable campus and our programs in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, which place students in a unique position to help preserve their natural landscapes for today and tomorrow.

Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture Design Studios

The focus of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture's Design-Build Studios is to provide students the opportunityto build and implement elements of their own design. Students prepare the necessary construction documentation and then actually construct their designs. Working with construction materials enables students to learn the opportunities and limitations of these materials. This "hands-on" approach is vital to understanding the relationship between design and implementation processes. Each year, students in the Landscape Architecture Junior Studio have the opportunity to see their designs to completion and display them for 300,000 visitors to see at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Philadelphia International Flower Show. Previous award-winning Flower Show exhibits have informed the development of new gardens in the Ambler Arboretum, such at the Sustainable Wetland Garden, the PECO Green Roof Garden, and the Ernesta Ballard Healing Garden.

Pi Alpha Xi

The Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society will host an EarthFest Arbor Day Tree Planting to celebrate Arbor Day and our continued support of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Plant One Million Campaign. The tree planting will take place at 1 p.m. Those interested in taking part in the tree planting should meet at the “Planting the Seeds of Learning” tent, located in Exhibitor Area 1. In addition to the tree planting, Pi Alpha Xi will also demonstrate how to create terrariums at home!

Ambler Arboretum of Temple University

The Ambler Campus is also an Arboretum! Take a tour of the Arboretum's many gardens, including a sustainable wetland garden, healing garden, herb garden, native plant garden and more. The Arboretum will also highlight "Big Red," a 5-foot-wide slice of a Red Oak tree trunk that was planted 100 years ago on the Ambler Campus. Big Red saw this land turn from a farm, to the Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women, to part of Temple University. Visitors can feel the tree bark, count the rings, and learn about the life of this magnificent tree. Tours will depart the Planting the Seeds of Learning tent at 10 a.m. and Noon.

Bike Temple

Bike Temple is teaming up with REI and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia to inform visitors about everything related to biking! Bring your bike to EarthFest for premium parking at Bike Temple's "Bike Valet" service, bike check-ups courtesy of REI, and information about biking options in the region. Gear up for urban riding with Bike Temple's urban riding basics course! Bike Temple is a University-wide program to promote bicycle use by Temple students, faculty, and staff.  The overall goal of the program is to enable more people to travel on a bike and to do so safely and to build a great bike culture at Temple that supports the University’s commitment to sustainability and reputation for innovative, green programs.

Temple University Ambler Bookstore

The Temple University Ambler Bookstore will have a variety of books related to the environment, the natural world, smart growth, and sustainable concepts at EarthFest 2012.

Temple University Ambler EarthFest 2012 T-shirt Sale

Show your Earth Day colors! Temple University will have official EarthFest t-shirts available for sale in EarthFest's Exhibit Area 3. Check your event map for details!

Temple University Athletics
Temple Athletics promotes a healthy lifestyle for children by encouraging participation in sports and other outdoor activities through the Owlsports summer camps and Hooter’s Junior Owl Kids Club. Temple University mascot Hooter will also promote healthy lifestyles with visitors to EarthFest 2012!

Temple University Center for Obesity Research and Education (CORE)

The Center for Obesity Research and Education (CORE) is a university-wide group of investigators dedicated to excellence in obesity research. Its mission is to facilitate interdisciplinary research on the etiology, consequences, treatment and prevention of obesity. Research ranges from basic behavioral science to epidemiology. A particular focus of the Center will be a greater understanding of the causes, treatment and prevention of obesity among minorities of lower socioeconomic status, among whom obesity is more prevalent.

Temple University Computer Recycling Center
Temple will provide information on its Computer Recycling Program, which involves recycling computer parts to promote a healthier environment.

Temple University Dining Services/Sodexo
A variety of food and beverages will be available for sale at EarthFest courtesy of Temple University Dining Services.

Temple University Infant and Child Laboratory

The Temple University Infant Lab, located at the Ambler Campus, invites parents and their children to help shape the future by participating in research at the frontiers of science. The Lab is directed by nationally recognized child development authorities and professors Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Dr. Nora Newcombe. Faculty and staff provide fun-filled activities for infants and toddlers who become part of cutting-edge discoveries. Parents learn more about children's first words and ability to create mental maps. In the lab, infants and toddlers teach scientists new ways to optimize education and advance learning.

Temple University Office of Sustainability

The Office of Sustainability’s exhibit will provide students the opportunity to take park in a recycled craft workshop. The Office of Sustainability will also share information about Temple's sustainable initiatives. As an urban institution that is deeply engaged in the community, Temple University's commitment to sustainability can have a profound impact on the health and quality of life of a large and diverse population within Temple and its surrounding community. The University is positioned to be an important educational resource for teaching sustainability, with its three pillars of environment, economics and social justice. It is committed to demonstrating the value of those principles through its own example and through the activities it sponsors in the community. Temple aims to serve as a model for similar urban institutions and to burnish its national reputation for excellence and commitment to principled policy and action.

Temple University Recycling Department
Learn about recycling and take home valuable information about how you can recycle at home! Temple recycled over 932 tons of paper fiber which saved 15,844 trees in 2010. The paper, glass, metals, plastic, and organic material Temple recycled in 2009 alone saved a total of about 22,635 million BTUs of energy, enough energy to power 215 homes for one year. From 2006 through calendar year 2010 Temple reduced overall air emissions by more than 1,000 tons!

Exhibiting Schools

Commonwealth Connections Academy

Join Commonwealth Connections Academy as they present a variety of environmental concepts related to recycling. Commonwealth Connections Academy (CCA) is a tuition-free, K–12 public cyber school that students attend from home. CCA brings a fully accredited public education directly to your family’s door—anywhere in Pennsylvania. CCA has teaching centers in Philadelphia, the Harrisburg area, Lehighton, Pittsburgh, the Scranton area and Williamsport.

Green Woods Charter School
Eighth grade students from Green Woods Charter School, will showcase the "Omnivore's Dilemma," presenting information about the human food chain, modern agriculture, and more! The mission of Green Woods Charter School is to provide children in grades K through 8 with the opportunity to be active, knowledgeable and conscientious young investigators by fostering a keen understanding of the interrelatedness and interdependence of our local and global existence.

Methacton High School/Methacton Electric Car Club

Members of Methacton High School's Methacton Electric Car Club will have their electric car - The Lorax - on hand, talk about how it works, and how it is charged with solar power. The Methacton Electric Car Club, based in Montgomery County, was developed as a way of fostering technological understanding in a friendly environment.

Palisades High School
Students will be showcasing their ideas to transform their high school and local community into a sustainable environment. They will highlight their "Save the World" projects - Chemistry II students have researched and, where possible, tested different sustainable processes.

Radnor Middle School Watershed Program

Seventh grade students from the Watershed Program at the Radnor Middle School will share how Radnor is a green school and received one of the Pennsylvania nominations for a Green Ribbon School Award.

Trevose Day School

Fourth and fifth grade students from the Trevose Day School will present an exhibit that is an extension of the Junior Flower Show's water theme, H2O:How to Grow. Students will be noting the importance of water to animals in the environment and to their class pets, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, a red-eared slider turtle and fire bellied toads.

Upper Dublin High School  Student groups from Upper Dublin High School will present a variety of projects at EarthFest 2012 related to the event theme of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Upper Dublin High School's exhibits for 2012 include:

• Upper Dublin Environmental Education Club - Shrink Your Waste
• Ultimate Upcycling
• The Honey Bee Mystery
• What Makes Buildings Green
• Wacky Worm Bin
• Endangered Animal Trivia
• Reach the Rim with Recycling
• Snow White Would be Proud
• Recycle Glass, It's Good for the Environment
• Super Bright Ideas

 

Wordsworth Interact Club - Wordsworth Fort Washington
The Wordsworth Interact Club performs various community service projects, such as planting trees in the Wissahickon Valley Watershed, promoting recycling drives, and assisting area schools in their environmental efforts. At EarthFest, the Interact Club will lead young visitors in planting seeds in recycled plastic containers. The Wordsworth Interact Club is the 2012 recipient of the EarthFest "Commitment to Sustainability" Award!

Temple University Ambler Student Organizations at EarthFest

Since the event's inception in 2003, Temple University Ambler's student organizations have joined together to provide fun, educational programs for students of all ages. Whether it's bringing new, fun, educational programming to the event or leading visitors in a game of "Recycle Toss," our students seek to teach environmental stewardship through interactive, creative, hands-on activities.

Beta Alpha Psi/Ambler Accounting Professional Society/American Marketing Association

Student members of Beta Alpha Psi, the Ambler Accounting Professional Society, and the American Marketing Association will lead visitors in creating their own paper from recycled material. The organization will be practicing their own recycling as they use forms and booklets left from their VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assessment) program.

Landscape Architecture and Horticulture Association

The Landscape Architecture and Horticulture Student Association will provide a hands-on lesson in horticulture and sustainability as they help our student visitors pot seedlings of their own to take home in personalized containers. The students will also share important information about our sustainable campus and our programs in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, which place students in a unique position to help preserve their natural landscapes for today and tomorrow.

Society of Emerging Educators

The Society of Emerging Educators will lead children i creative recycling crafts, such a decorating egg carton bottoms to create their own "insects" and recycling water bottles to create planters.

Temple Planning Student Organization

Part of the Planning Playground, Community and Regional Planning students will offer interactive games for elementary, middle, and high school students, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, building a neighborhood, and planning a date using GIS!

Temple University Ambler Criminal Justice Society

The Criminal Justice Society will be presenting a fun and engaging recycling bean bag toss to reinforce the "three r's" of sustainability - reduce, reuse, recycle!

Temple University Ambler Student Government Association

The Temple University Ambler Student Government Association will lead students in a hands-on activity related to Wondergy's "CoolScience" activities. Using liquid nitrogen, Wondergy will create fresh ice cream at their exhibit booth! On the EarthFest Main Stage, Wondergy will present "CoolScience."