April 12 - Downtown hike

Take a walk on the wild side – in the heart of downtown. Join naturalists on April 12 as they lead hikers on a 45-minute walk and talk about how Mother Nature always finds a home, even amid skyscrapers. The tour takes off at noon from the east steps of City Hall, 200 North Walker. Call 297-2578 or email kristy.yager@okc.gov to register.

April 13 - Downtown bike riding class

Learn to bike downtown streets safely by registering for our free bike riding class at noon on April 13 at the northwest corner of the Myriad Botanical Gardens (Sheridan and Hudson). Bring your bike and helmet and stay for an optional bike ride. Call 297-2578 or email kristy.yager@okc.gov to register.

April 20 - Spring floral walking tour of Will Rogers Gardens

Celebrate the return of spring by taking a free floral tour of Will Rogers Gardens, 3400 NW 36, at 9:30 a.m. on April 20. We’ll take a stroll through the Gardens’ grounds and talk about how you can add these colorful plants to your landscape. The walk will showcase irises, azaleas and peonies, among others. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Call 943-0827 to register.

April 20 - Free bus rides

Ride METRO Transit free on April 20. Visit the Downtown Transit Center to receive a free reusable shopping tote. Visit www.gometro.org or call 235-RIDE (7433) for route information.

April 21- EarthFest at Martin Park Nature Center

Our planet takes center stage at Martin Park’s EarthFest. Family-oriented games, crafts and other nature-based activities will enlighten and entertain. The Audubon Society, Sierra Club and other earth-friendly organizations will also take part. The fun takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on April 21 at Martin Park, 5000 West Memorial Road. Call 755-0676 for details.

April 21 - Lake Overholser and Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge cleanup

Help us rid Lake Overholser and the adjoining refuge of trash and restore these areas to their natural beauty. Trash pick-up is from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 21 and includes a free lunch and prizes. Meet at the Overholser pavilion. Email Karen.miles@deq.ok.gov or call 702-8192 to register.

April 28 - Recycle your tires, ammo, computers and pharmaceuticals

A special household hazardous waste collection will be held for ammunition, tires, computers and pharmaceuticals from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 28 at the State Fairgrounds. The collection is open to Oklahoma City residents only. Bring your current Oklahoma City water bill stub to prove residency. The event will be held on the south side of the fairgrounds, east of the arena. Sorry, televisions, tires with rims and off-road tires will not be accepted.

April 28 - Free shred day

Shred and recycle your financial and personal documents during Waste Management Recycle America and the Utilities Department’s free shred day on April 28 from 7 to 11 a.m., 5519 NW 4th.

April is LitterBlitz month

Help fight litter in Oklahoma City by registering for Oklahoma City Beautiful’s 12th annual LitterBlitz campaign. Teams are needed to clean one site, one time during the month of April and help rid our City of trash. Form a team and register online at www.okcbeautiful.com or call 525-8822 by March 31.

Refrigerator thermometer giveaway

The first 100 residents that drop household hazardous waste off at the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 1621 S Portland, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. each Saturday in April will receive a free refrigerator thermometer. Don’t forget your water bill stub to prove residency.

Saturday Morning Sweep begins in April

Here’s a great way to clean up litter, illegal dumping, trees and brush from common areas, easements, greenbelts and medians: hold a Saturday Morning Sweep. Neighborhoods and homeowner’s associations can schedule this event once a year, April through September. We will deliver a commercial dumpster, and the neighborhood provides the volunteers.

Residents encouraged to recycle used electronics at eCycling drop-off May 5

Residents of Oklahoma City and neighboring communities can dispose of obsolete or broken electronics at an eCycling Drop-Off Event between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the State Fair Park.  No proof of residency is needed. More