Unity College students took to the water Friday in cardboard kayaks, laid a stone fire pit, tie-dyed T-shirts and took part in dozens of other events as Earth Week culminated in a weekend Earth Day extravaganza.

Cardboard kayak races were the highlight on a day that also featured a fair and other events.

Earth Week at the college began last Saturday and included a community discussion about sustainable agriculture with local growers, and a case study in the rehabilitation of an extremely rare species of bird as told by a Unity College alum who now works as a federal wildlife official.

It will wrap up Sunday with an all-day trail cleanup project.

Across central Maine people got outdoors on a warm, fairly sunny day to celebrate Earth Week or just enjoy the weather.

Cousins Anthony Hotham, of China, and Matt Martin enjoyed the day fishing Messalonskee Stream below the Union Gas dam in Waterville. “I fished it for the first time the other day,” Hotham said. “It’s so beautiful here, I figured I’d try it again.”

The Waterville Public Library gave away vegetable seeds to children Friday afternoon.

“You get to take them home with you and grow them in your yard or in a sunny window,” the library announced on the city’s website. “And, learn about saving seeds for next year.”

There was also a free electronics disposal in Waterville that continues Saturday.

Individuals, businesses and organizations with fewer than 100 employees can drop off TVs, computers, cellphones, light fixtures, grills, batteries and other items from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at eWaste Alternatives, 60 Industrial St. The collection is sponsored by the eWaste Alternatives, which is a program of SKILLS Inc., the United Way and the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.

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