Charter Oak Federal Credit Union has signed on as a major sponsor for Celebrate Earth, a new series of programs at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center scheduled for April.

“We are thrilled to have Charter Oak be a sponsor of Celebrate Earth,” said Maggie Jones, executive director of the Nature Center. “Of course the Charter Oak is Connecticut’s state tree, and so we felt that a partnership made perfect sense.”

Traditionally, the Nature Center celebrates Earth Day in April with programs and special events in the week surrounding the official date, April 22. This year, Jones said, the decision was made to use the full month of April to focus on the planet, conservation, and living green.

“For us, every day is Earth Day, and we want to really share that message this year,” Jones said. “With the launch of our new website last year and with social media, we have more opportunities than ever to spread the word about conservation. We all want to live more gently on our planet.”

“We’re proud to team up with the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and look forward to the month-long Earth Day celebration,” said Brian A. Orenstein, Charter Oak’s chief executive officer. “Celebrate Earth is such a dynamic program. There’s something for everyone to see, learn, and enjoy.”

In addition to hikes and walks, there are family programs on porcupines, honeybees, reptiles and amphibians. The Center is hosting lectures by outside experts on narwhals and shorebird conservation efforts. A ‘Back to Basics’ series for adults offering classes on cheese making, soap-making, and leatherwork is scheduled. Also, on Earth Day itself, a BioBlitz will take place all  day. During this mini-bioblitz, groups will tally up and catalog all the plants and animals that live at the Nature Center.  DPNC staff will help with identifying flora and fauna. This is a fun activity for families.

The month closes out with the annual Concert for Conservation, an afternoon of classical music performed by violinist (and Stonington native) Hilary Castle and special guests to benefit the Nature Center’s educational programs. The concert is 2 p.m., Sunday, April 26 at Union Baptist Church, Mystic.

For more information on all Celebrate Earth programs and to register, visit www.dpnc.org or call 860-536-1216.