GSU Plans Earth Day Activities

The Governors State University Biology Club’s Thorn Creek cleanup on Tuesday, April 19, will kick off Earth Week activities at the university.

GSU's annual Earth Day celebration offers practical demonstrations in environmental sustainability as well as music, wild animal exhibits, children’s theater, and organic food served on eco-friendly products.

Earth Day takes place Thursday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the patio by the lake, just outside GSU’s Hall of Governors. All events and demonstrations are free and open to the public.

New events have been added to this year’s Earth Day. Big Run Wolf Ranch will give demonstrations of its wild animals, including wolves and a bear. Food items include buffalo mini burgers, organic hot dogs and potato chips, and hummus on pita bread.

Kidworks Touring Theatre will present a show on global warming and a GSU student will demonstrate beekeeping.

A number of demonstrations are planned on sustainability topics such as composting, organic and community farming, manure, and garden stakes. Alternative fuel vehicles will be on display. Jewelry made from recycled materials and other eco-products will be available. GSU’s Biology Club will again clean up a section of Thorn Creek that runs through campus and display trash taken from the creek.

In addition, tours of GSU’s Natural History will take participants to the university’s biology field station. Tours of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park will also be offered.

Earth Day will include stations for recycling batteries, pharmaceuticals, and cell phones. Other activities throughout the week will focus on sustainability and environmental awareness.

A recycled art show opens Wednesday in the Hall of Governors and young students at GSU’s Family Development Center will help plant trees on Friday.