SHERBURNE – This weekend the Rogers Environmental Education Center will celebrate the 10th annual Earth Fest, which has only been made possible by volunteers.

The annual event is one of a handful of others the center is attempting to hold despite the state’s decision Dec. 31 to close the site’s visitor center and cut funding for five education staff positions.

In April the Friends of Rogers (FOR), a not-for-profit group affiliated center, reached an agreement with the Department of Environmental Conservation to operate Rogers and continue to offer limited public activities and programs.

Earth Fest will take place from noon to 4 p.m. this Saturday and it is the first event to be organized by FOR, who relies heavily on volunteers.

FOR said “participants will learn about sustainability and how to protect the earth’s precious resources through exhibits on alternative energy, climate change, green building design and green living. There will be hands-on activities, canoe and kayak try-outs, and nature crafts for children. Visitors can take home a tree or shrub for their yard and learn more about local environmental organizations.”

The free event will feature more than 20 exhibitors and will offer a host of activities including Kayak and Canoe Tryouts, Artists demonstrations, children’s games, birdhouse and bath building and more. A meet and greet presentation and update from the FOR board will be held a noon.