Sunday April 22

Celebrate Earth Day the New River way with a picnic, live music, ranger-lead activities and environmental information. Meet at New River State Park’s Highway 221 access northeast of Boone (about 10 miles from downtown Jefferson). Picnic (with limited quantities of free grilled items) starting at 11 a.m. while being serenaded by guitarist Jeff Martin. Activities start at noon, including a river ramble (with ranger-led aquatic sampling), nature hike, sing-along and fly-fishing demo. Organizations including The Nature Conservancy, Appalachian Voices, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and the National Audubon Society will staff booths at the visitor center. For more info, call the park office at (336) 982-2587.