Wetlands are unique ecosystems which play a vital role in purifying water, pulling back floods, and providing homes for a host of important plants and animals, worth celebrating. This is the idea behind the annual Wetlands for Kids Day at August A. Busch Conservation Area in St. Charles County. The event is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund and hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation and Ducks Unlimited, free and open to both kids and adults. Activities include more than 20 stations where visitors can learn about wetland creatures firsthand. There will be a chance to see real birds of prey, thanks to the World Bird Sanctuary. A live reptile and amphibian station will allow a close up look at these wetland inhabitants. Kids can explore the Duck Wing Maze – while learning to identify ducks by wings and plumage along the way. They can also crawl through a beaver den. Each child who attends gets a free Ducks Unlimited Greenwing membership and a subscription to Puddler Magazine, courtesy of the Monsanto Fund. All kids who come to the event will also receive a free tree seedling from the Conservation Department. In keeping with its watery theme, Wetlands for Kids Day will go on rain or shine.  In the event of wet weather, the event will be moved indoors. To learn more about Wetlands for Kids Day call (636) 441-4554. The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is located in St. Charles at 2360 Highway D, about two miles west of Highway 94.

An organizational meeting to talk about comprehensive clean energy and climate change legislation at Repower America HQ, 8420 Delmar, Suite LL10,  University City, Missouri 63124. The clean energy bill is moving through the Senate and we need it to be strong and comprehensive so we can jumpstart our economy and create millions of jobs, end our dependence on foreign oil, reward innovation and job creation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There will be a legislative update on the progress of the clean energy legislation in the Senate, and then a strategy and planning session on how to best maximize our impact and make sure clean energy legislation is passed this year. For more information, visit: http://www2.repoweramerica.org/page/event/detail/repoweramericaevent/4jv59

Solar electricity has never been more affordable. Prices of PV modules have fallen dramatically in the past year. Missouri has initiated a generous rebate program in 2010. These factors, combined with a 30% Federal Tax Credit, have slashed costs by over 50%. Author and solar expert Dan Chiras, Ph.D., Executive Director of The Evergreen Institute in Gerald, Missouri, will discuss the highly favorable economics of solar electricity as well as the basics of solar energy - how solar modules work, the types of systems, and common misunderstandings. Find out what it costs to install a PV system on your home or business and what factors go into the decision to go solar. Dan is the author of numerous books on renewable energy, including Power from the Sun, Power from the Wind, and The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy. Held at Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Avenue, in Maplewood. Presented by St. Louis Green Drinks. $3 suggested donation benefits St. Louis Green Drinks. www.stlgreendrinks.org .

At Litzsinger School, Lindbergh Boulevard and Litzsinger Road.  Steve Coates, chair of the Ozark Trail Association, will talk about the proposed Current River Trail.  SWAP n SELL before the meeting – bring outdoor gear items pre-priced by 7:15 pm.  Free. Non-members are welcome. For additional information call:  (314) 644-0890 or visit:  www.missouri.sierraclub.org/emg/.

What will be the role of coal in our future? Two opposing views:a lively debate on the future of our energy economy! The debate will feature Mr. Fred Palmer, the Vice President of Government Relations of Peabody Energy and Mr. Bruce Nilles, National Coal Campaign Director for the Sierra Club. Moderated by: Bryan Walsh, Senior Correspondent for Time Magazine. At Graham Chapel, Washington University, in St. Louis. Doors open at 4:30 pm. Catered Reception in DUC commons to follow. Peabody Energy is the largest private-sector coal company in the world whose coal products fuel 10% of all U.S. electricity generation and 2% of worldwide electricity. In contrast, Mr. Nilles' work aims to move the world economy toward an energy future powered by carbon emission-free energy by halting construction on new coal-fired plants, retiring existing coal-fired plants, and stopping US coal reserves from being mined and sold on the international market.

REI: Bike Touring - One Couple's Coast to Coast Journey  Have you ever dreamed of completing a long distance bicycle trip? Come hear how one couple made their dream a reality. Jim and Karen Hertlein rode their tandem bike from Seattle to Boston, 3,514 miles coast to coast last summer. They have a 30 min. DVD of their trip and can tell you how they prepared, packed, routed, camped and more. They hope to inspire you to complete your own journey. Karen and Jim are backpackers as well and also completed the entire Appalachian Trail in '06 and the Pacific Crest Trail in '08. They used their light weight backpacking skills for their coast to coast bike ride. Group size 35; event is free but you must register. Visit the website:  http://www.rei.com/stores/73  or phone (314)918-1004. At the REI store, 1703 S.South Brentwood Blvd St. Louis 63144.