It was a windy start to Beltzville State Park’s Earth Day celebration. But the wind didn’t prevent kids from going on a lollipop hunt, with various color lollipops popping up from the ground, looking like a field of flowers.

Friends of Beltzville offered fruit and hot chocolate.

Information was shared about protecting the Earth and how long various objects take to disintegrate. Plastic bags can take three to five years, while Styrofoam never disintegrates.

Board member Lois Schlachter noted, “This event makes people conscious of how important our natural resources are for our well-being.”

Michele Rhoades, from Mannered Mutts Dog Training, provided demonstrations and dog training tips including reactive dogs, handling dog pulling, and trail etiquette. Kathy Green and Ron Jeffries, Lehighton, learned about teaching control of the leash with their puppy.

Nicole Snyder,Lansford, brought her 1½-year-old Akita, Kiki, as she is “trying to get her out and about more with everyone.”

Chelsea Mayo, Kunkletown, with 6-year-old Amelia and 12-year-old Gabriella, noted: “We try to walk often and love to be outdoors. We make bird houses and frog ponds with recycled items. The kids love to look for fossils in the park.” Gabriella excitedly shared, “We cracked open a shell fossil that we found in the playground.”

By the start of the hike the weather turned sunny and a bit warmer for the 125 hikers and many dogs along for the walk. American Academy of Canine Water Rescue dog Kelby led the hike with the help of owner Kate Abraham. The 2.5-mile trek went along the scenic shoreline.

Thanks to Park Rangers, the Friends group and numerous volunteers it was a great opportunity to get outside, learn and have some fun.

Water rescue dog Nero, who provided several rescues at the park last summer, is in need of surgery and asking for the public’s help.

A GoFundMe can be found on the group’s Facebook page.