All invited for free Earth Day visit at national garden

(CNS): The Queen Elizabeth 11 Botanic Park is inviting everyone who lives in Cayman to celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, 22 April with free admission all day, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. as well as enjoying the beautiful grounds visitors will have a chance to do something for the earth through efforts being promoted at the park, or buy plants from the large variety of seedlings at the nursery to plant a tree, either in their own yards or at the park. “This is a good opportunity to plant a tree in honour of a cherished loved one or a special occasion and at the same time contribute to our greening effortsat the Park or in our neighbourhoods,” said John Lawrus, the General Manager at the Botanic Park.

“I would encourage everyone to take advantage of free admission on Earth Day and come out in support of our efforts. It is also a great way to enjoy the day with family and friends in one of the most naturally beautiful settings on our islands,” he added.

The Botanic Park is also participating in the international Earth Day Network's A Billion Acts of Green campaign, an environmental service effort that seeks to register one billion actions taken on behalf of the environment that reduce carbon emissions and support sustainability, ahead of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), to be held in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012.

“The Botanic Park will seek to register its Earth Day activities as one of the ‘Billion Acts of Green’ and that is why we are encouraging all residents to come out in large numbers. By doing so, we in the Cayman Islands can show our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting the earth’s sustainability,” Lawrus said.

Gilbert Connolly, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Attraction Board, which manages the Botanic Park, also encouraged residents to attend and participate in Earth Day activities.

“The Botanic Park is one of the most beautiful and diverse in the region and is, in fact, the only one in the Caribbean to be Green Globe certified. This demonstrates the Board’s commitment to operating and maintaining an eco-friendly attraction of the highest quality and I implore all Caymanians and residents to support the Park by visiting on Earth Day and as often as possible throughout the year. The Botanic Park is a national treasure we can all enjoy and be proud of,” Connolly said.

Residents are required to present an ID showing proof of residency for admission on Earth Day