Derek Brunks, 11, a member of Boy Scout Troop #63 of Wellsville, picks up trash near the Clinton Lake Marina Saturday, April 25, 2009. The Clinton Lake Cleanup Committee, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, held the 26th Annual Clinton Lake Cleanup Saturday to help celebrate Earth Day.

Whether you’re looking to get your hands dirty or to expand your mind with a film, lecture or concert, there are a number of opportunities to celebrate Earth Day this year.

Officially Earth Day isn’t until Friday, but Lawrence organizations will host events throughout the week. Here’s how to participate:

Clinton Lake cleanup

Whether you are on foot or in a boat, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is asking for hundreds of volunteers to help pick up trash Saturday at Clinton lake.

Participation has been down in recent years, park manager David Rhoades said.

Between 50 to 75 people have shown up, when closer to 200 to 250 people are needed to help collect the trash that is littered across the 2,300 acres that make up Clinton Lake. Each year several hundred pounds of trash are gathered.

“It really helps us out a lot. We don’t have to spend a lot of time digging around in the woods and pulling things out,” Rhoades said.

It also helps the park get ready for the busy summer season.

Rhoades said he would love to see community groups, such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or members of the Kansas University Greek community, come to the cleanup.

Those who volunteer will be served lunch and have the chance to win cash for trash prize.

The cleanup is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Registration is at the north end of the dam at Shelter No. 1 in Overlook Park.

Potter Lake cleanup

Clinton Lake isn’t the only body of water in Douglas County that needs a bit of sprucing up. To help prepare for Potter Lake’s 100-year anniversary celebration, KU is asking for volunteers to help work on the lake.

On Saturday, the Potter Lake Project is hosting its final work day. Starting at 10 a.m., volunteers can help plant switch grass and remove trash from the area. The event will last about two hours.

Earth Day film

Just in time for Earth Day, Films for Action is presenting “The Economics of Happiness.” The film looks at economic globalization and the problems it has accelerated from climate change to financial instability. By using voices from around the world, the film promotes an economy based on localization. Along with helping heal the earth, these localized economies restore a sense of well-being, the film claims.

The film begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Liberty Hall. Tickets cost $4.

Earth Day lecture

On Wednesday, Anthony Cortese will deliver the 2011 Earth Day Lecture at KU.

Along with U.S. Sen. John Kerry and Kerry’s wife, Teresa Heinz, Cortese is co-founder of Second Nature. The organization’s mission is to support college and university leaders in making healthy, just and sustainable living the foundation of all learning and practices in higher education. It’s a mission that has Cortese working with campus planners, purchasing agents, housing officers, business officers and facilities managers.

Cortese’s message will come at a time when KU is developing its comprehensive sustainability plan.

The lecture will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Woodruff Auditorium.

Earth Day concert

For those who want to get their groove on for Earth Day, the Love Garden, 822 Mass., is holding a concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

An avant-garde music concert will be hosted by filmmaker and musician Rich Housh and composer Kip Haaheim.

The concert will mix environmental electronic music, performance art, and multimedia composed and performed by local musicians.

Be ready for a symphony of bird calls, handmade Asian gongs, wind chimes and Tibetan bowls.