Environmentalists and nature-lovers unite for the 40th annual EarthFest, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Anyone wishing to help the Earth Day Coalition with this celebration is invited to attend a volunteer orientation meeting from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, in the windows on the zoo's World Room, 3900 Wildlife Way.

"EarthFest is Ohio's largest Earth Day celebration," a news release touts. "This meeting will show you how you can help. You will also meet other EarthFest volunteers, learn all about EarthFest activities, and join a volunteer team."

Parking and admission is free for the training. Three subsequent orientations - at 10 a.m. Feb. 20, 6 p.m. March 15, and 10 a.m. April 3 - will be held at the Carnegie West Branch of the Cleveland Public Library.

However, volunteers need only attend one meeting to learn how to help.

Individuals, businesses or groups who cannot attend the January meeting but wish to volunteer should contact the Earth Day Coalition at 216-281-6468 Ext. 221 or dwatson@earthdaycoalition.org.

Also part of EarthFest, the annual Walk or Bike for the Earth steps off from the Rainforest and three remote bike locations at 9 a.m. that Sunday, with registration starting at 7:30 a.m.

Please note, because the walk goes in part through the zoo, no pets are permitted. Sorry!

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com