In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day The Austin Coalition for Environmental Sustainability (A.C.E.S.) hosts a variety of Earth Day events.

On Thursday, a Spring Gala Luncheon will be held at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

A silent auction will begin at 11:30 a.m. and lunch will follow at noon.

Potted pansies will be for sale from the Austin High School Go Green club; decorated rain barrels will be auctioned; and entertainment will be provided, including a special appearance by “Earthman” and a fiddler.

The event will end at 1:30 p.m. Call 433-7171, 437-6109 or 437-2251 for a $15 ticket.

Events continue even after Earth Day.

Saturday is Austin’s Spring Clean Up Day. Call parks and recreation to volunteer at 433-1881. Participants will meet at the pool parking lot on North Main Street at 9 a.m. The clean up will last until noon.

Austin Coalition for Environmental Sustainability (A.C.E.S) is a alliance of citizens, organizations and governments who are committed to working together in multiple efforts to reduce our local carbon footprint as part of a larger statewide effort to reduce greenhouse gases.