gmhTODAY Spring 2023 | Page 39

Family Fun at 17th Annual

Summit for the Planet Redwood Hike and Earth Day Festival

From barn owls and bearded dragons to California kingsnakes and turkey vultures , the opportunity to get up close and hands-on with wildlife at Mount Madonna School ’ s annual Summit for the Planet Earth Day festival is always a huge draw . Children and adults alike enjoy the many birds , reptiles , and amphibians shared by the Bay Area Herpetological Society ( BAHS ) and Wildlife Education Rehabilitation Center ( WERC ), two participants in this community eco-festival .

Everyone is welcome to check out the wildlife and familyfriendly activities at the 17th annual Summit for the Planet on Saturday , April 29 , 2023 , from 9:00am to 1:00pm at Mount Madonna School . This FREE public event begins with a 5K family hike through the redwoods , and features an ecocarnival , pony rides , face painting , live wildlife and reptile area , exhibits , model solar car races , activities , music , and tasty food .
Hike registration begins at 9:00am and the hike starts at 9:30am . Music will get going at 10:30am and the eco-carnival opens at 11:00am . The event concludes at 1:00pm .
With its unique spotlight on environmental education , the Summit for the Planet festival has grown to more than 500 people of all ages , from south Santa Clara , San Benito , Santa Cruz , and Monterey counties .
“ Mount Madonna School ’ s Summit for the Planet honors our school ’ s rich tradition of teaching environmental stewardship and raising environmentally aware children ,” said Head of School Ann Goewert . “ The 5K hike through the redwoods with ocean views is a wonderful opportunity for families to slow down , reconnect with nature and enjoy quality outdoor time together .”
Things to know when you go :
17th annual Summit for the Planet family hike and Earth Day festival , April 29 from 9:00am-1:00pm . Hosted by Mount Madonna School , 491 Summit Road , Mount Madonna , located 2.5 miles off of Hwy . 152 , between Gilroy and Watsonville . FREE admission . For more event information visit : SummitforthePlanet . org .
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