Earth Day/Arbor Day event this Saturday, April 27th at Wildcat Park

Monday is officially Earth Day.

First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG (formerly Earth Day Network)^] including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.

The official international theme for 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics.” 2025 will be the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.

Locally, a combined Earth Day and Arbor Day event will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 27th at Wildcat Park at 301 W. Riviera Drive in Joplin.

Wildcat Glades Nature Group, Joplin Parks & Recreation, Liberty Utilities, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Chert Glades Missouri Master Naturalists are teaming up to battle the forces of invasive species and protect Wildcat Glades!

This year’s joint theme “Rise of the Natives/Attack of the Invasives” focuses on the ongoing battle between native and invasive species alongside the ways you can help natives win.

If the ultimate battle between good and evil isn’t exactly your forte, the event will also feature a Native Tree Giveaway sponsored by Liberty Utilities, live music, food trucks, a recycled art contest, and numerous booths hosted by organizations from our community.