Celebrate Earth Day with a New River tour

Millions of people will be celebrating Earth Day - the annual celebration of Earth - around the world on Tuesday, April 22. Although many people have nothing to do with the holiday, many others hold it in such high regard that it is arguably the most celebrated secular holiday in the world. Yes, I'm sure many of us thought that title would go to the annual Surf City Dolphin Dip, where hundreds of us jump in the ocean each New Year's Day; then again, many of us also would not consider that a secular holiday, but a near-religious experience.

Originally started in 1970 by the United States Senate, the first Earth Day was mainly an event thrown on college campuses and other schools in much the style of other protests of the time. To the surprise of even those involved, around 20 million came out to participate in the call for environmental reform across the United States.

Earth Day has been a reason for so many to get out in the beautiful spring weather and show their reason for participating. For some, it's an appreciation of the natural beauty of the earth, for others it's a call for stricter environmentalism, and for others it's a reason to call attention to other political causes.

Regardless of it‘s ranking in popularity, Earth Day will most certainly be celebrated in Onslow County this weekend. Just like other holidays, Earth Day has an official day, but will be having scheduled events throughout the weekend.

One of those Saturday celebrations will be the Earth Day Tours on the New River. Hosted by the New River Foundation, the surprisingly inexpensive one-dollar eco-tours may be the premiere get-together for Earth Day. The kayaking and canoeing adventure starts at 9 a.m. with everyone meeting at the Marina Café just above the Highway 17 bridge. For those who aren't morning people, a second chance to join the Foundation guided trip begins again at noon from the same place.

Local residents in response to a hog-waste spill that threatened the New River started the non-profit foundation in 1995. After that wake up call, the organization took to fundraising and action in order to reduce the chances of it ever happening again.

The geography of the river also makes it very unique to Onslow residents due to the fact that it begins and ends all in the same county. It gives everyone an extra special feeling of needing to monitor the New River.

Dale Weston, of the New River Foundation, has not missed one year of participating in the Earth Day festivities. He, along with the other colleagues, has been dealing with all the aspects of their busy season, which involves fund-raising and preparation. Now they are just days away from getting to enjoy the river tour with everyone else who shows up with their dollar.

The tour will be taking everyone by beautiful local marvels that include Cheney Creek, Mill Creek, Northwoods Water Fronts, Osprey Nest and Blue Creek.

Reservations can be made by calling the New River Foundation at (910) 937-0877 or by e-mail at newriverfoundation@bizec.rr.com. Space is also available for walk-ins on a first-come first-served basis. The board and staff also remind everyone to wear comfortable clothes for the trip.

For those who might not be water-bugs, but still want to participate in the New River Foundation, there is good news. As of April 8, the organization is looking for about 40 new volunteers to participate in new river monitoring projects. Even after Earth Day is over, the group is dedicated to taking care of their Earth each day.