The City of Arlington observes Environmental Action Month on April 20.

Earth Fest will occur on Saturday, April 20, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Sports Center, which is located at 7001 Golf Club Drive. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., more than 500 residents are expected to participate in activities such as composting and recycling demonstrations. The event will include vendors, entertainment, a children's area featuring Radio Disney, arts and crafts and a golf tournament at Tierra Verde Golf Club. Admission is free.

"Earth Fest is a celebration of the City’s commitment to protecting the environment," said Parks and Recreation Marketing Manager Michelle Rice.

At noon on April 20, two Red Oak trees will be dedicated to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Special guests at the ceremony will include Arlington Mayor Elzie Odom, representatives from the Texas Forest Service, the Arlington Police Department and the Arlington Fire Department. The Tree City USA and Tree City Growth Awards will also be presented to the City during the ceremony.

During Earth Fest, winners of the Community Litter Challenge will be announced. From 9 a.m. to noon, civic clubs, organizations and student groups will be picking up litter for cash and prizes. Volunteers will staff drop-off locations throughout the City where trash bags will be collected and counted for the citywide competition.

"The goal is to promote a litter-free environment," said Lead Coordinator Roni Crotty. "The Litter Challenge is another way to get citizens excited about a litter-free environment."

The Community Litter Challenge is a cooperative effort of the City of Arlington with participation from the North Central Texas Council of Governments, through a grant from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. The last day to register is Monday, April 15.