Earth Day 2021 - April 24

Styrofoam recycling - CITY OF KALAMAZOO

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT at Mayors' Riverfront Park

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam recycling will be available to Kalamazoo residents starting in April! The Environmental Concerns Committee is piloting a one-year program that will offer four drop-off days. Residents can drop off any amount of the accepted materials.

Celebrate Earth Day at the Kalamazoo Nature Center with free general admission and outdoor programs honoring our natural world. Bring a blanket and enjoy treats from local vendors, a drink from Factory Coffee starting at 9am, or picnic lunch from Teresas Kitchen starting at 11am.

Drop-in activities

Ask a Naturalist, 12:30-3:30 pm

Drop in to KNC's Ask a Naturalist Booth on Saturday from 1-2:30 pm for a self-guided trail hike showcasing the history and natural features of the Fern Valley Trail. A naturalist will be available at the trailhead to answer your questions about plants, animals, and the history of this popular KNC trail. Pick up a self-guided hike card to learn more at points along the trail as you hike through beautiful forests to a small pond and features some beautiful winter woodland views!

Story Walk Trail, 9 am – 5 pm

Walk along the Beech Maple Trail to with a story to read as you walk. More details to come as book is confirmed.

Garlic Mustard Pull, 9 am – 5 pm

Bring some gardening gloves and give back to the earth by pulling garlic mustard along the KNC trails! Kickoff for this important volunteer project is April 24 and will run through May. We'll have maps, signage on trails, supplies, and drop stations ready for you to help remove this invasive species. No registration or sign-up needed, just stop by the Welcome Station for details on how to get involved!

Registration-based activities

Spring Wildflower Walk on Beech Maple
9 am & 10:30 am

Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member Register at NatureCenter.org/EarthDay

Explore the Beech Maple Trail to observe the beautiful wildflowers that are blooming. Learn some identification tips from a naturalist and enjoy a spring walk in the woods.

Birds of Prey Hike on Raptor Ridge
Programs leave every 15 minutes, 12:30-3 pm

Fee: $12/member, $15/non-member Register at NatureCenter.org/EarthDay

Interested in Michigan Birds of Prey? Join KNC educators on the Habitat Haven trail for an Earth Day focus on our connection to Michigan Birds of Prey. Take a 45 minute to 1 hour semi-guided hike, stopping along the way to meet some of our ambassador birds of prey as you stroll along the Raptor Ridge Trail. Each of our native Michigan raptor friends will be stationed at a stop with an Animal Handler to introduce them to you and answer questions.

Under the Trees Story Circles in the Arboretum
Fee: $5 per family/member, $10 per family/non-member Register at NatureCenter.org/EarthDay
Recognize Earth Day by gathering under the trees in KNC’s Arboretum and listening to diverse and inclusive stories about our planet and nature. Pre-register for an hour of stories read by KNC staff and local personalities. When you arrive, your group will be seated in a story circle of 10 participants. You stay in your circle and the readers come to you! Raise a sign to signify that you are ready for the next reader, then sit back and wait for the next story to begin. You could enjoy 6-8 stories in the hour.