Residents interested in learning more about the importance of biodiversity are encouraged to attend the 12th annual Halton Eco Festival on Saturday, April 14. The festival, which will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Glen Abbey Community Centre on Third Line, will feature a wide variety of events including a free draw to win $500 worth of organic bedding accessories. Halton Region will be distributing free blue boxes during the festival and parking is free. "This year we are promoting the concept of biodiversity because 20112020 is the Decade of Biodiversity as declared by the United Nations," said Don Meade, a board member for festival organizer, the Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights (OCCPEHR), in a press release. "The Halton Eco Festival highlights the environmental contributions of local, not-for-profit groups, governments and businesses. "The event generates a lot of positive energy, contributes immensely to the development of a greater environmental consciousness throughout Halton Region's four municipalities and is one of Ontario's longestrunning environmental fairs. Visitors are people who are interested in nature, the environment, their family's health and the sustainability of their community," said Meade. During the festival, speakers will share their ideas in educational workshops on a variety of issues related to biodiversity. Residents will also have the opportunity to get a bite to eat or an organic fair trade coffee at the festival's eco café. The event strives to be waste-free. Eco Festival set for April 14 in Glen Abbey Meade said last year's festival only sent one bag of garbage to the landfill. "The Halton Eco Festival is an interactive, informative and fun event featuring a wide range of eco-friendly products and services," he said. "People can also learn about the many volunteer opportunities available to students, individuals and families at this one-day event. Gifts can be bid on at the silent auction and there will be a live animals demonstration that is very popular with the kids." 13 · Wednesday, March 21, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Booths are still available for rental by exhibitors. Students can gain volunteer hours before and at the event. For information, contact show manager Stephen Dankowich at 905-849-5501 or info@ oakvillepeacecentre.org.