Earth Day Celebration in Spencertown

Spencertown Academy Arts Center and Town of Austerlitz present the Town of Austerlitz 2026 Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Spencertown Park (786 NY-203) and Spencertown Academy (790 State Route 203). If weather is inclement, the park activities will move inside Town Hall (816 NY-203). Community partners include the Climate Smart Committees of Austerlitz, Canaan, Chatham, Ghent, and Philmont. Admission is free.

“The Spencertown Academy Family Arts Kaleidoscope Program team is excited to partner with the Town of Austerlitz on our first Earth Day Celebration,” says Carol Essert, member of the Spencertown Academy Board of Directors. “It’s going to be fabulous with conservation-related activities that are designed to engage folks of all ages,” adds Cara Humphrey, chair of the Austerlitz Climate Smart Committee.

11:00AM – 3:00PM: The day will kick off at 11:00 a.m. at Town Park with a tree planting ceremony. Community members will then be able to wander through the park until 3:00 p.m. to meet and learn from representatives from 18 Columbia County conservation and nature non-profits, as well as sign up for volunteer opportunities. Topics will range from information about composting, lighting efficiency, clean power, zero waste, and getting soil ready for planting to signing up for neighborhood clean-ups and more.

12:00AM – 3:00PM: Spencertown Academy will host an array of creative environmental activities for children. An instructor from Roz’s Dance Works will get kids moving and grooving to eco-focussed music and there will be a continuous screening of “The Extraordinary Caterpillar” film. Children will also make their own bird feeders using recycled materials, craft caterpillars, Earth Day crowns and badges, and help create a large collaborative puzzle celebrating Earth Day that upon completion will be displayed at Austerlitz Town Hall.