NAPS 11th Annual Earth Day Festival Attracts Area Nature Lovers

A beautiful day greeted hundreds of visitors to the 11th Annual Earth Day Festival in Heathsville, Saturday, April 25, 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 The Northern Neck Heritage Arts Center 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 six all-electric cars plus a pickup truck. Local owners and members of Drive Electric RVA were on hand to answer questions about their vehicles and experiences

The Northern Neck Wooden Boat School showcased the success of the programs' last two years teaching students essential skills through woodworking and boatbuilding. 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.

The Northern Neck Audubon Society educated attendees about area bird species and habitat to foster conservation for the benefit of future generations.

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 its revitalization plans, including an expansive new hometown park.

The Northumberland County Anti-Litter Committee urged visitors to create or join Adopt-A-Highway groups, and informed them on the committee’s initiatives, including “Secure Your Load” awareness providing free cargo nets to residents.

TOGA (Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association) shared its dedication to promoting the cultivation of oysters as a keystone species that can ensure the environmental health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, as well as a delicious and sustainable form of seafood.

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.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby returned this year to inform and engage visitors on their efforts to build support in Congress for a national bipartisan solution to climate change.

The NAPS tent featured information on several initiatives, including its new Ghost Crab Pot Program, Paddler's Guide, Annual Creek Cleanup, scholarship, STEM, and eco-tour programs. Visitors were invited to join its cleanup events and projects.

“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, president of NAPS. “Please put April 24, 2027 on your calendars for the 12th Annual Earth Day Festival, and we hope to see you all there.”