Earth Day 2024 Celebration Brought Fun to Alameda Park Zoo

The gates opened to Alameda Park Zoo in Alamogordo this morning for free and many Alamogordo residents turned out for the free tour of the zoo to enjoy the beautiful animals and of course to visit the many nonprofits, politicians and advocacy groups representing the theme of Earth Day 2024.

Some came with their wagons such as Teresa Haney along with 2 of her neighbors from the historic Old Town Michigan Avenue looking for Native Plants provided by the Alamogordo Native Plant Society. This booth was a very popular booth for picking up the best in native plants perfect for the yard and of course education and even art. One of the tables was set up to create artistic images using leaves, twigs and elements from nature and was find for kids and adults alike! 

The Juneteenth Celebration Committe members were on hand reminding locals to save the date for the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration to be hosted in Washington Park on June 22, 2024, 10 am to 2 pm

But not only were volunteers Joy and friends, reminding people about their upcoming event, they too, were teaching about Earth Day and how it relates to the Black experience and American culture.  Volunteers manned the booth providing an educational message to locals about fresh garden vegetables that are routine to our daily diet that came to the Americas by way of the African Dispora to include the influence of George Washington Carver on our agriculture and food supply.

Mr. Carver is famous for his influence around peanut production, but he was equally influential in helping farmers understand crop rotation  and more. Carver's inventions included hundreds of products, including more than 300 from peanuts (milk, plastics, paints, dyes, cosmetics, medicinal oils, soap, ink, and wood stains), 118 from sweet potatoes (molasses, postage stamp glue, flour, vinegar, and synthetic rubber), and even a type of gasoline. 

This booth also included healthy recipe options based upon fruits and vegetables brought to the Americas by those of African decent. From Yam Cake to Sweet Potato Pie there was an option for everyone for baking at home…

Stephane Dubois was on hand looking happy and smiling with enthusiasm for her advocacy for the Red Brick School House restoration effort ongoing in Tularosa. The Historic Red Brick School House in Tularosa was constructed in 1917 and is seeking support to ensure it’s survival as a historic building.

Lulac was on hand active in Alamogordo again…

Lulac was on hand teaching of the Hispanic Community

With Many Hands AlaMogordo explaining their mission on creating community gardens, nutrition and food security…

Smokey the Bear was on the scene 80 years old this year and celebrating Earth Day with photos with kids and Commissioner Sharon McDonald…

Alamogordo’s infamous radio personality and Thrive Volunteer of the Year Bob Flotte was on hand promoting Alamogordo and dancing with the crowds…

Alamogordo Public Schools was represented…

A host of community organizations were involved

and of course a few local politicians were also around seeking community support to include Rachael Black for Otero County Treasurer…

and Ashlie Myers seeking the position of New Mexico State Representative District 51 to represent Otero County…

Of course the real stars of the day were the zoo creatures on display…

Happy Earth Day 2024! 

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