There once was an itty bitty frog that enjoyed hopping and squeezing through small spaces. This little frog enjoyed hiding in the mulch and playing in the spray provided by the rain. One night, this bit of an amphibian found itself on a wide open area and began hopping with glee. Little did this tiny creature know that it was hopping toward a watery abyss. Ker-plunk. The teeny body sank, and in a panic, the frog started kicking and pulling and paddling until it found itself against a dry wall. It climbed up and there it stayed—no way up and no way down.  This is where I come into the story, because the frog happened to be trapped on a tile that lined my pool. I carefully knelt down and took a look at the little brown spot, and found the little brown spot looking back at me. I cupped my hand and scooped the little critter up, carrying it gently to the bark and bushes outside the pool area. This tiny frog stood still long enough for me to get a picture, and then he sprung off my fingers and into the habitat below.

This was a nice beginning to my day and a great reminder that one person can make a difference. One simple choice a day can change the world—it sounds grandiose, but if we work together it can be accomplished. For ideas on what small things to tackle on a daily basis, visit www.family.go.com to see how you can live a little bit greener.
Speaking of green, Earth Day is right around the corner and a lot of activities and festivals will be held Friday, April 18-Sunday, April 20.

The Tampa Bay Sierra Club is organizing Earth Day Tampa Bay, which is a community festival that is packed full of green exhibits, eco-friendly products, art, crafts, hybrid vehicle displays and. of course. lots of live music and snacks. This event will be taking place at from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 20 at Lowry Park in Tampa.

Both Brooker Creek Preserve in Northern Pinellas County and Weedon Island Preserve in St Pete are both offering guided hikes, with Weedon Island offering guided canoe trips and fun environmental workshops beginning Friday, April 18 through Sunday, April 20.

Another huge celebration is taking place on Honeymoon Island in Dunedin. Island Earth Day’s 2008 “Celebrate with Friends” on both Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20.  This festival will focus on the state park’s natural environment and ecology, offering guided hikes and an early morning kayak race.

There are many activities and festivals happening locally and ­nationally to support Earth Day. For more information search online for activities near you and Go Green!

Karey releases the tiny frog into the habitat.

 

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