2008-04-15 17:55:50 - This inland South County city is a leader on the environmental front by launching innovative 'eco-friendly' programs, events and more

The public is invited to celebrate Earth Day on April 24, as the City hosts its seventh annual Earth Day Fair - a daylong affair that is expected to be the largest environmental-friendly event in South County.

An inland city, San Juan Capistrano is taking the lead in promoting the importance of caring for the environment by enlisting more than two

dozen organizations and groups to participate.

The fair will feature an array of new and returning exhibitors including the City's stormwater, recycling, historic preservation and water conservation programs. Organizations such as the Dana Point Ocean Institute, Earth Friendly Moving, Ortega 4-H Rangers, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Caspers Wilderness Park, West Coast Arborists, Coastkeeper, The Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy and others will also take part in an effort to educate south Orange County residents about ways to preserve and improve the environment.

Youngsters and adults can learn from hands-on displays, environmental computer games and an enviroscape model that demonstrates how common household items can pollute the creeks and ocean. There will be plenty of free giveaways and information.

The Earth Day event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Gymnasium at 25925 Camino del Avion. For more information, call 949-234-4564 or send an e-mail to environment@sanjuancapistrano.org.