A Celebration of Nature at the NAPS Earth Day Festival

A warm, windy day greeted hundreds of visitors to the 10th Annual Earth Day Festival in Heathsville, Saturday, April 19, 2025, with dozens of exhibits, demonstrations, displays and activities. The event was free and open to the public.

Hosted by NAPS (Northumberland Association for Progressive Stewardship) and Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern in conjunction with the first Heathsville Farmers Market of the season, the eco-friendly event celebrated the Northern Neck’s natural beauty and showcased the area’s environmental stewardship resources.

At the entrance to the festival area, attendees were invited to add a “leaf” to the “Earth Day Pledge Tree” by writing down their individual pledges to help the environment. Each person who made a pledge was offered a complimentary NAPS reusable grocery bag.

This year's Electric Vehicle exhibit included three full-sized pickup trucks, a mid-sized SUV, and an electric powerboat provided by Electrified Marina. Owners answered questions about their experiences driving all-electric vehicles.

The Northern Neck Wooden Boat School exhibit showcased one of the boats built last year by students learning essential skills through woodworking and boatbuilding. David Clark, Katie Wilkins and other educators shared their plans for this year's efforts.

The Northern Neck Land Conservancy shared the environmental and tax benefits of placing land into a conservation easement, preserving its beauty and ecological value in perpetuity.

The Rappahannock Wildlife Refuge Friends’ display of wildlife attracted both human and canine visitors. The organization’s mission is to raise awareness of the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge through education and support.

Keep Virginia Beautiful returned this year promoting the VDOT Adopt-a-Highway program and other anti-litter efforts. An offshoot of Keep America Beautiful, the Virginia organization also offers grants to support environmental and beautification programs and projects in the Commonwealth.

Northern Neck Master Gardeners promoted their Shoreline Evaluation Program – a community service initiative informing waterfront property owners about shoreline protection and stabilization options. The program recommends installing and maintaining “living shorelines” whenever possible due to the environmental benefits.

The Northern Neck Master Naturalists promoted their program of training volunteers as educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources and public lands.

Callao Hometown Community Association displayed revitalization plans, including an expansive new hometown park.

Bartlett Tree Experts offered visitors a free spring tree assessment and a goody bag.

TOGA (Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association) featured its familiar tank demonstrating how oysters filter the water. Visitors to the exhibit also learned about classes on oyster gardening in Virginia and how to purchase spat, growing cages and other materials.

The George Washington Birthplace National Monument is a favorite environmental venue for master naturalists and bird watchers.

Caroline McKenney offered house plants and other items to Earth Day Festival visitors.

A crew from the Northern Neck Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society showcased a variety of plants recommended for area gardens and landscapes. The use of native plants not only protects beneficial pollinators and other plant and animal species native to the Northern Neck, but can save considerable time and money, as they tend to be hardy, low-maintenance, and require less water and pesticides.

The NAPS tent featured information on several initiatives, including its new Ghost Crab Pot Program, new Paddler's Guide, Annual Creek Cleanup, scholarship, STEM, and eco-tour programs. Visitors were invited to join its cleanup events and projects. Martha Tallent reinforced the anti-litter theme donning a “Duchess of the Ditches” robe covered with discarded bottles, cans and bags, and topped with a trash-laden crown.

“A wonderful day all around! We sincerely thank all the exhibitors for their fun and informative displays, and we thank everyone who stopped by,” said Mike Ahart of NAPS. “Please put April 18, 2026 on your calendars for the 11th Annual Earth Day Festival, and we hope to see you all there.”