VIRTUAL RUN CHALLENGE
If you want to run a 24,901-mile race, don't run alone. Virtual Run Challenge brings together people worldwide to collectively run, walk or bike the entire circumference of the Earth as many times as they can this April. Participants can join for free on Facebook and running app Strava. If they pay a $30.50 fee, they will receive an event medal and plantable wildflower seeds. Participants can also pay for a T-shirt. A portion of the event's proceeds will go to the National Park Foundation's Park Restoration Fund. So far, over 600 people from seven countries have joined and travelled 562 miles, according to event organizer Aaron Peterson. Participants can run anywhere at any time during the month of April. Details can be found online at thevirtualrunchallenge.com.
BEES AND TREES
Be part of the buzz by planting a mile of bee-friendly local plants along with local community members, the United Nations Association, Gamma Phi Beta members and nonprofits of Pullman's College Hill District. Event organizer Kathryn Fitzgerald says that "native, pollinator-supporting and environmentally hardy plants will increase nutritional reserves in the environment such as bees, butterflies, moths and insects." Washington State University's Green Fund sponsors the planting. This event also includes an Earth Day celebration. It will take place at Ruby Street Park in Pullman on April 20, 11 am to 3 pm.
TREE PLANTING
Try rooting yourself in Earth Day by planting a tree. The Lands Council plans to plant about 300 trees with the help of 150 volunteers. Although the council will provide light refreshments and trees, volunteers should bring outdoor clothes and a shovel. The event will take place near Liberty Lake at the Saltese Uplands at South Henry Road on April 20, 10 am to 12 pm.
