KapStone Kraft Paper Corporation will lead several community events in observance of Earth Day in the Roanoke Valley. 

The observance will begin on April 22 and continue through April 26.  The Roanoke Rapids Mill’s Environmental Education Program launched in 2010 will again go on the road sharing information about its longstanding role as an environmental steward and raising awareness of Earth Day.

The program will introduce and educate area youth and their families about the benefits of sustainable living practices.  The three-part program will cover forestry, papermaking and environmental awareness.

“The goal of this program is to share our vision of preserving a sound environment and supporting a sustainable lifestyle.  We also want to provide them with the resources and tools necessary to improve the quality of life for their family while protecting our planet”, said Bill Kessinger, vice president of Mill Operations.

KapStone’s Earth Day Team will share information with over 170 sixth-graders at William R. Davie Middle School on Monday, April 22 and Boy Scout Troop 146 on Tuesday, April 23. 

They will team with Town of Weldon and Steve Owens Landscaping on Thursday, April 25 to spruce up the entrances to River Falls Park by planting trees and flowers.  

KapStone is also hosting events for their employees to celebrate Earth Day and is continuing its collaboration with Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Center as a corporate sponsor providing passes for employees and their families.

KapStone is very appreciative of the following partners in its Earth Day observances, Kessinger said.

They are: American Forestry and Paper Association, United Steelworkers 9-425, the Pulp and Paperworkers’ Resource Council and the North Carolina Forestry Association.