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 2023 Earth Day Festival will take place Saturday, April 22nd, from 10am–3pm at the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture. Highlights include live talks, short films, various exhibitors, kids’ activities, live music and delicious food, all focusing on the health of our planet.
Earth Day lectures will include “After 85 Years of Frustration: Can We Return Public, Wild Bison to the CMR Refuge?“ at 10am, “Unintended Consequences of Trapping Wildlife – How to Free your Pet from a Trap” at 11am, “Living with Bears” following at noon, “Pollinator Conservation for Montana Gardens” set for 1pm, and “Landscaping for the Birds” closing out the live talks at 2pm.
Short films will also be presented during the Festival. Cold Waters, Spring Thirst, All About Beavers for Children and Fabulous Wetlands with Bill Nye are among this year’s official selection.
A special presentation of the Magic Monster Show with Random Acts of Silliness begins at 10am, plus win prizes as part of the Children’s Earth Day Passport program. Head outside at 11am to “Adopt a Tree” with Bozeman Parks & Recreation.
Live music comes courtesy of Kali Armstrong from 10am–noon, followed by ORNJ from noon–3pm. Food will also be available for purchase from The Ugly Onion and Sidewall Pizza Company throughout the event.
Numerous exhibitors will set up at the event including Bozeman Green Build, Happy Trash Can Curbside Compost, Gallatin Valley Land Trust, Montana Science Center, Sacajawea Audubon Society, MSU Solar Car and Wild Montana, among many others. Come learn about their work in our community.
The main event will be preceded at 9am by an Earth Day Fun Run at Gallatin County Regional Park. The fundraiser will benefit the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve whose work will provide a sanctuary for birdlife in Montana’s largest enhanced and restored wetland. Join the fun and support our diverse avian populations! Register at www.winddrinkers.org (find under “Races”).
The Gallatin Valley Earth Day event will also see the start of 2023 Bozeman CleanUp Week, set for April 22nd–30th. Individuals and groups are encouraged to help pick up litter around Bozeman after a long winter! As the snow melts, we tend to see more trash around our neighborhoods. Not only do cleanups improve habitat for humans and critters within city limits, but they also directly impact our downstream neighbors by helping to keep our streams and rivers clean. Clean-up supplies will be available at the Festival.
Earth Day Festival events are 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. •
