Spring Hill Earth Day celebration brings 60 vendors, live animal encounters

Two rescued parrots were among the biggest draws at Spring Hill’s Earth Day celebration, where families found free admission, live animal encounters and more than 60 vendors at the WellCome OM Integral Healing & Education Center.

The center’s seventh annual Earth Day celebration was held Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4242 Lake in the Woods Dr. in Spring Hill. WellCome OM has described the gathering as one of Hernando County’s most anticipated community events, and this year’s lineup mixed hands-on education with a full day of activities.

Ziggy’s Haven Bird Sanctuary of Inverness brought parrot ambassadors Max and Monte to meet attendees. Max is a 37-year-old Congo African grey, and Monte is believed to be between 40 and 50 years old. Both birds regularly visit schools, nursing homes and community events, giving residents a close look at what lifelong parrot care actually involves.

That message mattered as much as the attraction. Ziggy’s Haven says it was founded in 2003 and has placed more than 1,000 parrots, while more than 200 birds are in its Lifetime of Care program and more than 200 others have stayed in their homes through outreach. Other listings say the sanctuary has taken in more than 250 parrots over the years. The group also says parrots are loud, destructive, selfish and demanding, a blunt reminder that exotic pets require long-term commitment, time and money.

The sanctuary’s work comes with a steep cost. It houses hundreds of parrots, many rescued from difficult situations or surrendered after owners outlived the birds they brought home, and it spends tens of thousands of dollars a year on veterinary care. That reality gave the Earth Day event a practical edge, tying the day’s family-friendly atmosphere to a harder lesson about responsibility, stewardship and the cost of keeping animals.

WellCome OM’s 2025 Earth Day flyer advertised more than 60 vendors, food trucks, garden activities, music, fitness demos, eco talks, artists, a kids’ activity zone and an interactive drum circle. It also listed free admission and free parking onsite, with a suggestion to carpool. The event’s mix of local vendors, educational booths and animal encounters gave Spring Hill residents a single stop for conservation tips, community resources and a reminder that Earth Day in Hernando County is as much about daily habits as it is about celebration.