In celebration of its namesake, local nonprofit Gallatin Valley Earth Day will once again present a fun and informative series of events in Bozeman. The Earth Day Festival will take place Saturday, April 25th, from 10am–2pm at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, building 4. Highlights include live talks, various exhibitors, kids’ activities, live music and delicious food, all focusing on the health of our planet.
The Earth Day talks kick off at 11am with “From Trash to Treasure: How Composting Helps Create a Healthier Community” with Ryan Green from Happy Trashcan Composting.
Explore the importance of composting and its beneficial effects on the health of our community and local soils. This workshop will cover the basics of composting, how to compost at home and background on HTC’s work over the last 10 years leading the charge on closing the loop in Gallatin Valley.
“Bozeman’s Water Supply & Outdoor Efficiency” follows at noon with Jessica Ahlstrom and Kori Navarro, both representing the City of Bozeman’s Water Conservation program.
Learn about Bozeman’s water supply, how Bozeman plans for its water future, and water conservation resources available to help you save water. Then, walk through a step-by-step process for tackling a DIY landscape makeover to convert your yard from thirsty to thriving – including plant choices, soil considerations, and how to best meet the watering needs of your landscape.
And at 1pm, enjoy a Live Raptor Presentation with Keaton Thomas from the Montana Raptor Conservation Center.
Discover the MRCC’s mission and explore the distinctive features that set birds apart from other animal groups, with a specific emphasis on raptor characteristics. This program caters to all age groups.
The festival also features the City of Bozeman’s ‘CleanUp’ day and numerous exhibitors covering subjects like wildlife, composting, water, fish, soils and more. Children’s activities include the Earth Day Magic Show at 10am, face painting, petting zoo, storytime with Random Acts of Silliness, and educational games with prizes for all kids! Live music by Ella Mae Cole and a Pop-Up Local Foods Court enhance the day’s many highlights.
The Earth Day Festival is FREE and open to the public. Find additional details at www.gallatinvalleyearthday.org, where you can also access more information about the Earth Day Passport. Earn stamps, then submit for a drawing to win a prize!
Gallatin Valley Earth Day encourages local citizen action to help protect our planet from right here in the Gallatin Valley. The group came together in creation of a Bozeman festival that celebrates this vital work. Learn more by visiting the aforementioned website. •
