ALBANY COUNTY — The first-ever fun run on the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail is being organized by a Doane Stuart School senior, Ava DeSantis.

The event will be held on Earth Day, April 21, and all proceeds will go directly to the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy to protect lands in Albany, Montgomery, and Schenectady counties. Since its founding in 1992, the conservancy has protected more than 5,000 acres of land in those three counties, including over 2,000 acres open to the public for hiking, cross-country skiing, and other educational and recreational opportunities.

Last year, DeSantis raised more than $600 for the conservancy by painting faces every Saturday morning at the Delmar Farmers’ Market. This year, she hopes to raise more money and engage more people.

“I hope to see a range of members of the community at the event; runners and beginners, environmental activists and people who want to learn about the subject,” DeSantis said in a press release from the conservancy. “I see events like this as an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air on a spring day outside, as well as an opportunity to discuss the issues facing our community and preservation of the beautiful spring landscapes we are enjoying.”

The Earth Day Fun Run will take place on the paved section of the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail. The out-and-back course is appropriate for the whole family and all skill levels. Runners, walkers, joggers, roller bladers and skaters, and those with a stroller are all welcome to participate. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the race will start at 9 a.m.

For more information, and to register early, visit www.mohawkhudson.org. There is a $15 suggested donation to participate.

This race is one of three events being hosted by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy in honor of Earth Day. On Friday, April 20, the conservancy is partnering with the Bethlehem Public Library to offer an Earth Day Story Walk at 10 a.m. at the Swift Preserve in Delmar for preschoolers and their parents and caregivers.

The final event is an Earth Day Work Day on the morning of Sunday, April 22, during which volunteers, regardless of age or ability, will pick up litter at a beautiful private property in Coeymans currently not open to the public.

For more information and to register for these three Earth Day events, visit www.mohawkhudson.org or call 518-436-6346.