Whether you were looking to drink fresh pressed apple cider, learn about fly fishing or the Lenape Indians, or pet a pig or goat it was all available at Polk Environmental Day, held Sunday at the township park.

“It’s educational and fun. We have all different environmental educational opportunities and we made it family friendly.” noted Parks and Recreation member Nancy Wright.

It was the “first animal experience” for 9-month-old Ellie Beers, said her mother, Ashley, of Palmerton.

Ellie seemed quite happy to be with the chickens, rabbits, pigs, goats and a tortoise in the petting zoo area.

Six-year-old Jolie Everett said her favorite animal was the rabbit. “They’re fluffy. I always dreamed of petting one,” she said.

Volunteers from the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America from Pleasant Valley School District helped out at many of the 25 organizations set up in the park. West End Fair Junior Miss Queen Ella Rufo, 15, of Saylorsburg, also helped out.

4H Club members Elizabeth Strohl, 6, of Kunkletown, and Vayda McCloskey, 8, of Kunkletown, were assisting kids with making animals with their thumb prints. Strohl said that her favorite part of the day is “working the stands” where she gets to interact with other kids.

Ecology Club members 8-year-old Amelia Mayo of Kunkletown, and 10-year-old Callen McCloskey of Kunkletown, explained that they teach “little kids and older kids about nature, bugs, insects and wildlife.”

The Wilderz at Pocono Wildlife, a rescue, rehabilitation and release center, had a 3-year-old barn owl named Sorin for everyone to learn about. Susan Downing, one of the executive directors, explained that they have him for educational purposes and got him from a breeder. Aurora, a Virginia opossum, was also there climbing on the back of Denise Horn. Horn said that they were first studied in Virginia, hence the name “Virginia opossum,” and the word “possum” is a slang term people often use.

Kids patiently and enthusiastically waited in a big circle for the “candy drop.” Staff and volunteers filled the area with candy on the ground which was followed by straw to hide it. Kids were given bags to collect the candy, done by age group. There were lots of smiles and laughter as kids collected the candy.

Girl Scout Troop 52333 had a stand where everyone could paint rocks. The troop is going for their Silver award and will continue making a butterfly garden where the rocks will be placed at Little Mexico trailhead.

It was a perfect day to pick a pumpkin to paint, learn about outdoor activities and enjoy family and community.