Want to do your part for Earth Day? Here are cleanups happening all over Kansas City

Earth Day 2022 is right around the corner. Each year, communities around the country celebrate the anniversary of the modern environmentalism movement by volunteering, hosting mass cleanups, teach-ins and other initiatives to encourage people to take care of Mother Earth.

Kansas City has participated in this strong tradition from the very beginning. The very first Earth Day celebration in town was organized by three students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1970. That year, students focused on themes like water pollution, clean air and protecting birds like hawks and eagles, according to Green Ability Magazine.

This year, the theme for Earth Day is “Invest in our Planet.” The call to action is asking businesses and individuals to fight the climate crisis.

Although taking steps against climate change can seem like a daunting task, there are plenty of ways to go green in your life. If you are interested in learning more about environmentalism or you want to do your part by cleaning up your neighborhood, you can get started by participating in an Earth Day event or partnering with an organization here in Kansas City.

Remember that Earth Day is on April 22, however many events are scheduled for April 23.

Here are some events:

Kessler Park Clean Up, April 22

Kessler Park/Cliff Drive Conservancy is hosting a cleanup in Kessler Park and the Cliff Drive Scenic Byway. The cleanup runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers can choose between two shifts, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 2 . to 4 p.m. For more information visit the event’s Facebook page.

2022 Earth Festival, April 23

Hosted by the Climate Council of Greater Kansas City, this event will be both in-person and virtual. The in-person portion will be held at the Unity Temple on the Plaza at707 W 47th St. There is a jam-packed schedule, including a climate fair, garden tours, a tree give-away and more. All events are free with an online registration. Visit climatekc.org to learn more.

SOTV Annual Earth Day Teach-in, April 23

Stems on the Vine, with the Kansas City Creators Clubs, will be hosting its annual teach-in at 47th and Oak streets in Theis Park. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and include reading circles, lessons on watersheds and pollinators and a kite flying contest. To learn more email imanimehta@sotvcreatorscollective.org.

Central Avenue Clean Up, April 23

The Central Avenue Betterment Association is hosting an avenue cleanup on April 23. The cleanup will start at 9 a.m. at 1120 Central Ave. in Kansas City, Kansas. A light breakfast will be served. If you are interested in volunteering or donating you can contact the CABA Executive Director Edgar Galicia at 913-281-9222 or EGalicia@CABAKCK.org.

Celebrating Earth Day, April 23

The Lakeside Nature Center will be celebrating Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 23 at 4701 E. Gregory Blvd. The free event will have a puppet show, an encounter with a turkey vulture and take-home projects. To learn more, visit the lakesidenaturecenter.org.

3rd District Urban Clean Up, April 23

At least 11 neighborhood associations will be sponsoring this cleanup event across the 3rd District from 8 a.m. to noon. There will be dropoff locations for tires and other bulk trash throughout the district. There will be no fee for bulk trash.

Roanoke Park Spring Clean Up, April 23

The Roanoke Park cleanup will be from 9 a.m. to noon April 23. Volunteers are encouraged to stop by the Westport Roanoke Community Center at 3601 Roanoke Road to grab coffee and pick a cleanup location for the day. Visit the event Facebook page or RSVP at info@roanokeparkkc.org.

West Bottoms Cleanup, April 23

This community cleanup will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the West Bottoms. Lunch will be served from noon to 1 p.m., and gloves, trash bags and trash pickers will be provided. The cleanup will focus on the public right of way and the Riverfront Heritage Trail.

This story was originally published April 19, 2022 at 5:00 AM.

Kynala Phillips

The Kansas City Star

Kynala Phillips was a Service Journalism Reporter at The Kansas City Star, where she worked to answer readers questions about the resources and services in the community. She attended the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and is originally from Madison, Wisconsin.