Don’t just throw up your hands in despair—you can DO something about it!

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is sponsoring a FREE lead tackle exchange from 3-6 p.m. on June 23 at the Houston Nature Center’s Summer Solstice Celebration/Living Green Event. Just bring in your old lead fishing tackle and get free non-lead alternatives.

There will also be a FREE shopping bag exchange at the same time, sponsored by the Friends of the Houston Nature Center, The Experiment in Rural Cooperation, and Ace Communications Group. Bring in all of your unneeded plastic shopping bags to be recycled and you’ll get a free canvas tote to carry with you so the next time you’re asked "Paper or plastic?" you can respond "Neither. I have my own bag."

Many other activities and informational booths are planned for this event. They include a live eagle program by the National Eagle Center at 3 p.m., a variety of exhibits to teach you about green cleaning, energy efficiency, wildlife habitat, composting and more from 3-6 p.m., kids’ activities, and a community band performance at 6 p.m..

A very special meal will be served from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.: the entire menu is grown and produced locally…from the bread to the ice cream. And it will be served with entirely compostable tableware made from corn and sugar cane fiber. There is a charge for the meal, but the rest of the event is free.

For more information, contact the Houston Nature Center at 507-896-4668.