The Town of Rochester ECC and Recreation Department are hosting a full day of learning, wildlife, and community.

There’s still time to cast your vote before the event (voting ends May 15), and free pizza will be provided by Rooted in Rochester to celebrate and thank the community for participating!

Come celebrate Earth Day with us!

The program includes:

10:00 AM — KNOW YOUR INVADERS

John Thompson

Learn to identify and slow the spread of invasive species. Topics include: Beech Leaf Disease, Spotted Lanternfly, Jumping Worms, Tree‑of‑heaven, Japanese Knotweed, and Stiltgrass.

John is the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership Coordinator.

11:30 AM — CONTROLLED BURNS FOR FOREST MANAGEMENT

Ryan Trapani

Explore how responsible fire can restore forest health. Covers benefits and costs of fire, regional fire history, and CFA’s new prescribed burning program.

Ryan is Director of Forest Services for the Catskill Forestry Association and host of “From The Forest” on WIOX 91.3 FM.

1:00 PM — FREE PIZZA

Everyone is welcome!

2:00 PM — ANNIE’S LIVE RAPTORS

Annie Mardiney

See live birds of prey up close!

Featuring:

• Two screech owls

• Meng the peregrine falcon

• Tyto the barn owl

• GeeO the great horned owl

• One American kestrel

Annie is a federally and NYS‑licensed wild bird rehabilitator caring for 350–400 birds each year. Follow her work at “Wild Mountain Birds” on Facebook.