Youth are the focus of this year's Earth Day Celebrations in Collingwood.

The events will take place from Apr. 18-22 in Collingwood and will include a variety of speakers.

Organizer Douglas Nadler says adults might not be doing their part to help the environment, but youth can.

"They are the next generation that will have the power to influence at the most critical point in human history," he said.

One of the highlights of the event is an appearance by Stephen Hazell, executive director of the Sierra Club and one of Canada's foremost environmental experts.

He will be speaking to a general audience at the New Life Brethren Christ Church on Apr. 19 at 2 p.m.

However, Nadler says Hazell will be available to speak to local youth, in particular, at noon.

Nadler said this is a good opportunity for young people to learn about environmental issues from one of Canada's experts.

Hazell has served as the director for both the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the Canadian Arctic Resources Committee.

"As an ecologist and lawyer, Stephen has spear-headed the drive for environmental assessment and review processes in Canada, and developed regulations for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act," Nadler said. "He is the author of Canada Versus the Environment, published in 1999, on federal environmental policy."

On Apr.18, folk group Tamarack will perform from their CD, Tree at Cameron Street School in Collingwood.

On Apr. 22, Valerie Serda, a well-known climate change activist and an associate of former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, will be giving her Inconvenient Truth slide show at Cameron Street School.

Beverly Boos of Seattle, Washington, another associate of Gore, will be holding workshops at Collingwood Collegiate Institute.

Tickets are $15 for a single speaker or $25 for both Stephen Hazell and Marjorie Harris, and are available at the Crow's Nest Book Store or Three Herons Antiques in Collingwood, Jessica's Book Nook in Thornbury, Curiosity Book Shop in Creemore and Earth Harvest Café in Meaford.

For more information on the events call 519-599-5461 or visit the website.