Earth has been here for approximately 4.5 billion years and despite it being in existence for that long some people are still not aware how to help the environment. On Wednesday, April 6 at 11:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m., Valencia East Campus decided to celebrate Earth Day early this year to help spread awareness about environmental issues and solutions.

Professor James C. Adamski hosted the event. He is a Valencia College geology professor and a Florida licensed professional geologist. Adamski started the Valencia Earth Studies Association (VESA) and has been hosting earth day for the last six years.

The event took place in mall area which was packed with students. Live music was provided by the Valencia Opera Theater Work Shop team. Students stopped by different tables that exhibited things about climate change, ocean pollution and global warming. There were animal exhibits one had a woman from a bat rescue center where she showed students small bats that cannot be released back into the wild. Another was from the Seminole County Green Lands, Orlando Wetlands and the Central Florida Zoo featuring tortoises, snakes and tarantulas. The handlers of the snakes let students hold the non-venomous reptiles so they could get a closer look.

“I learned about how the turtle shell helps protect animals after the turtle has died and about the blanket flower that I got from the plant exhibit,” says Andrea Omeda, a Valencia College student majoring in medicine. She decided to come out and enjoy the Earth Day event.

Students had a chance to walk away with a plant provided by the Valencia Wellness Ambassadors table at the event. Different plants were given out to students such as herbs and flowers.

No event is complete without refreshments which were provided. There was pizza and fizzy drinks and Italian ice given to those who participated in the event.

Towards the end of the event, all participates left with a canvas bag and a free T-shirt for completing a survey about their thoughts on climate change affecting the environment. Adamski was pleased to say that event was a huge success. They were able to give away all their canvas bags meaning a lot of students came out to be a part of the event this year.

“I think by bringing different companies from our central Florida community and showing students that it’s not just about animals, plants and water. It’s about how we can take those elements and give back to our earth in new ways. Whether it be through volunteering or learning a new fact today,” states Lauren Kaplan, an east campus student development program advisor.

Students not only had fun at the event but left a little more aware of what is going on with nature around them and what they can do to help.