The local observance of the 47th Earth Day is an offering of a variety of activities celebrating the outdoors and encouraging environmental stewardship.
A complete schedule of events for the month of April is available at http://www.springfieldmo.gov/earthmonth.
What originally began as a one-day event has now expanded to include all of April. Activities begin April 1 and extend through April 30.
A few highlights of Earth month include tree plantings; waterway and trail cleanups; nature hikes; marches; Party for the Planet at the Dickerson Park Zoo; e-waste collections; museum exhibits; and many other fun and productive activities for all ages, abilities and interests.
The city will host a Pre-Earth Day celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 21 with a dedication and open house event at the newly upgraded Yardwaste Recycling Center (3790 S. Farm Road 119, Brookline, MO). Enjoy a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m., guided facility tours and various recycling information booths from the city and our recycling partners.
The first Earth Day, held on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. The passage of the landmark Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and many other groundbreaking environmental programs soon followed — all designed to protect the natural environment where we live, work and play.
Arbor Day observances, honoring trees and their many and varied benefits, began as early as the 1800s. Arbor Day marks the celebration of the city of Springfield’s 32nd year as a Tree City, USA. Tree plantings recognizing Arbor Day Poster Contest winners will take place at several Springfield schools throughout the month.
For a complete listing of Earth Day and Arbor Day activities, including volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.springfieldmo.gov/earthmonth. The events and activities list will be updated throughout the month as more information is received.