PHOTO OPS Celebrating Earth Day 

State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens will celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22 at three Capital District environmental events. These events are part of New York State’s weeklong celebration of Earth Week.

1.      What: Commissioner offers opening remarks at the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) Earth Day Student Competition

When: 9:00 a.m.

Where: Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies building at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI): 110 Eighth Street, Troy, NY

2.      What: New Community Forest announcement and ribbon-cutting event with the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance 

When: 11:00 a.m.

Where: The new Rensselaer Plateau Community Forest: 220 Legenbauer Road, Poestenkill, NY (Rensselaer County)

3.      What: Ceremonial ribbon-cutting and grand opening of new Hand Hollow State Forest with Columbia Land Conservancy (half-mile hike to the onsite pond will follow, weather permitting)

When: 2:00 p.m.

Where: Hand Hollow Conservation Area Parking Lot at the Corner of Routes 9 & 34 in New Lebanon (Columbia Co.)