PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo is joining zoos and aquariums across North America celebrating Earth Day in a special way on Sunday, April 20.

The Party for the Planet begins at noon and will run through 4 p.m.

"At the zoo, being green is more than just an idea," says Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. "It's our passion. We want to show people that helping the earth is beneficial and enjoyable."

Partygoers can participate in games and crafts while learning about new ways to keep our planet healthy. Continuing its Year of the Polar Bear festivities, and hoping to draw attention to climate change, the zoo will give its polar bears Boomer Balls and ice blocks to play with.

In addition, guests this year can take in a movie. The Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, presented by Patagonia and hosted by the Wildlands Project and the Oregon Zoo, offers an afternoon of award-winning environmental films for all ages. A family program of films geared toward kids plays at noon and repeats at 2 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. showing of "The Edge of Eden: Living With Grizzlies." Film tickets are $5 ($3 for kids ages 3-11).

A complete schedule with descriptions of the films to be shown is available at www.oregonzoo.org/Events/environmentalFilmFestival.htm.

For 101 things you can do to help the planet, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Conservation/whatyou.htm.

Zoo presents ‘Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival’

The largest environmental film festival in the United States is coming to the Oregon Zoo on Earth Day.

The Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, presented by Patagonia and hosted by the Oregon Zoo and the Wildlands Project, takes place Sunday, April 20, during the zoo's annual "Party for the Planet," a celebration aimed at helping visitors learn what they can do to help wildlife

Guests are invited to an afternoon of award-winning environmental films for all ages. A program of short children's films plays at noon and repeats at 2 p.m. At 7 p.m. there is a special showing of the acclaimed film "The Edge of

Eden: Living With Grizzlies."

Festival admission is $3 for children ages 3-11 and $5 for adults. Zoo admission is not required for attendance.

The following films are scheduled to be shown:

"Antarctica ... the End?"

A 13-year-old boy looks at how human impact is affecting the frozen continent.

"Carpa Diem"

As a girl lovingly watches her fish swim around its aquarium, her careless younger brother neglects to shut off a running faucet in their bathroom -- illustrating an important connection between wildlife and the choices we make at home.

"Feed the Worms"

Students at Scotten School answer the question, "How can we help the environment?"

"Hawaii Reef Etiquette"

With the spirit of Aloha, learn how to enjoy, respect and preserve the Hawaiian reefs.

"Not Just Mine: Kids and Plovers on the Beach"

Lucas, a procrastinating schoolboy, stumbles upon a western snowy plover and finds strength within himself to make a positive change for the bird and the beach they share.

"Rita"

When 7-year-old Alison befriends Rita, a Sherpa girl in Nepal, they embark on a wild and touching adventure over an 18,000-foot pass near the base of Mt. Everest.

"Water Loving Doggies"

There are places in this world and moments in time when paradise does exist .. join some furry friends down on the Yuba.

"The Edge of Eden: Living With Grizzlies"

This award-winning film tells the story of Canadian Charlie Russell, who feels that our misconceptions of grizzly bears are driving them to extinction. The film follows his journey through Russia while raising two grizzly cubs.