Earth Day may officially be Sunday, but local groups are ushering in the environmentally conscious holiday a bit early.

Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive in Gainesville, is getting the party started tonight with a 7 p.m. screening of "Mother Nature’s Child."

According to event organizers, the movie "explores the essential ways direct contact with the natural world promotes children’s health and well-being, contributes to the future of the planet and nourishes the human spirit."

The screening is free, but donations are welcomed. Due to a limited seating, attendees are asked to call ahead to reserve a space.

Prior to the movie, guests are invited to arrive at 6 p.m. with a pot luck dish to share a meal with other attendees. Elachee will provide the drinks.

Saturday, the center will host a volunteer service project from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will not only get the opportunity to learn more about nature, they’ll also have the chance to help restore wildlife habitats in Chicopee Woods.

Organizers say the service project is good for scouts, church groups and families alike.

Lakeshore Mall, 150 Pearl Nix Parkway in Gainesville, will also be playing host to Earth Day events Saturday.

From 9 a.m. to noon, the mall staff have arranged for free residential shredding in the parking lot along Shallowford Road. Residents can bring up to two boxes of documents.

The celebration moves inside with festivities at center court from 1-3 p.m.

The indoor activities include information on water conservation and recycling opportunities in Hall County, a "green art" display from students at Fair Street International Baccalaureate World School as well as seed planting and door prizes.

Milton Martin Toyota will have a hybrid vehicle on display and the folks from Elachee will be bringing along a little wildlife.