CONSHOHOCKEN — Domenic Rocco, the chair of Conshohocken Environmental Advisory Council, assures that the April 27 Conshy GreenFest will offer much more than just people giving out pamphlets about the environment. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Mary Wood Park (with a rain date of Sunday, April 28).
In recognition of Earth Week in late April, the event will feature exhibitors showcasing a wide range of specialties, from electric cars and advanced hydrogen cell vehicles displayed car show-style with open hoods and staff available to answer questions, to successful gardening and composting.
PAR Recycling will operate an e-waste collection station for old laptops, phones, and computer towers (but not for TVs, monitors, or batteries), and REI will provide e-bike test rides and tips for eco-friendly camping.
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The Conshy Green Fest planned for Saturday, April 27, 2024 is designed as an enjoyable family activity with educational elements. (Photo courtesy EAC Chair Domenic Rocco)
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Interactive activities for kids are part of the Conshy Green Fest's celebration of Earth Week on Saturday, April 27, 2024. (Photo courtesy EAC Chair Domenic Rocco)
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The exhibits at the Conshy Green Fest on Saturday, April 27, 2024 will feature electric cars displayed in a car show style with open hoods and questions answered. (Photo courtesy EAC Chair Domenic Rocco)
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The Conshy Green Fest mascot will join the festivities on Saturday, April 27, 2024 to promote Earth Week. (Photo courtesy EAC Chair Domenic Rocco)
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While there will be pamphlets focusing on sustainability and environmental awareness, Rocco, who is also a PA Department of Environmental Protection employee, and other GreenFest volunteers aim to engage people with interactive and hands-on learning experiences centered on the idea of “saving green by going green” in order to spark interest in issues like global warming and climate change.
Rocco explains that when he first became involved with the EAC, he assumed that everyone was already aware of the important environmental issues of today and would be willing to listen. However, he quickly realized that was not the case. It became clear that more education was necessary, and that this wouldn't happen overnight.
“Over the years, we’ve attempted various educational workshops on environmental topics, but they didn't attract many participants. So, we decided to hold a larger annual event to cover a wide range of subjects, making it family-friendly and involving the whole community, including the future environmental stewards – the youth. The aim was to create an event that is both informative and enjoyable. We did this for the first time last year and we're looking to make it even bigger and better this year.”
Ultimately, Rocco envisions GreenFest becoming one of the borough’s standout events.
“The EAC has organized a number of events over the years such as tree-planting and spring and fall clean-ups, and has taken part in events like Funfest and the Arts festival,” he adds. “We hope that GreenFest will become the town’s springtime event.
“We really need to involve people and meet them where they are. For instance, it was difficult to get kids to participate by having them stand behind a table for hours, so we came up with an art contest about the environment. The kids at Conshohocken Elementary School are excited about GreenFest and seeing their art on display. The parents will help hang the art, which is great.
The students in [Plymouth Whitemarsh High School’s] International Baccalaureate program are very involved. They had activities last year and will have three different activities this year. They have been great to work with.
Yoga Home is also a great partner. They did yoga sessions for kids at GreenFest last year, and they will offer them again this year.
According to Rocco, members of the Conshohocken Community Garden are also a big part of GreenFest.
They have been involved with us from the start, and they bring a lot of new ideas,” he says. “They are actually like a sister organization to EAC. They will share information about things like the ecological benefits of native plants, gardening and locally-sourced food.
Rocco describes Conshohocken Free Library as another great partner. CFL recently started a seed catalog program and will give out free vegetable seeds and seed starter kits.
“The whole thing is really a team effort, including the support we’ve had from IKEA, REI, Cencora and several other local businesses and organizations,” Rocco concludes.
EAC’s volunteer board also includes Co-Chair Tim Beckel, Rich Kosich, Bob Molony, Mia Barbaro, Justin Claffey and Gerhart Arndt.
Mary Wood Park is at Sixth Avenue and Harry Street, next to Conshohocken’s Fellowship House. More information about Conshy GreenFest 2024 is available on Facebook.
