Party for the Planet Celebrates Earth Day | Free

Party for the Planet is North America’s largest combined Earth Day celebration,with over 120 accredited zoos and aquariums in the U.S. participating–including Emporia’s own David Traylor Zoo.

Zoo Education Coordinator Kelly Proehl said, of the Emporia event, “All the organizations that participate with our Party for the Planet celebration are community or area-based. We reach out to local organizations that support our message of conservation, and what we are all doing to conserve and protect wildlife.”

The event featured a variety of stations positioned throughout the zoo, offering patrons the opportunity for an Earth Day celebration filled with fun, learning and eco-friendly activities. Stations from composting to redbud tree giveaways explored sustainability, learning how to live in harmony with wildlife and how to get involved with local conservation efforts. The City of Emporia’s Natural Resources Advisory Board sponsored a giveaway of free redbud trees for all interested attendees.

Carolyn Turney and Arthur Howell had a demonstration table covered with information and examples of home composting. Representing the Lyon County Master Gardener program with the K-State Research and Extension Lyon County Office, the pair explained that compost is simply decomposed organic material that occurs naturally–or can be intentionally managed to produce a superb soil enhancer for home gardening.

Turney said she appreciated the opportunity to participate with the David Traylor Zoo Party for the Planet celebrating Earth Day. “It’s an opportunity for us as individuals to help with conservation efforts, whether composting or conserving water or planting trees or many more activities.”

Seven-year-old Amelia Wang and her mom, Ting Wang, explored the many offerings at the Party for the Planet celebration. They enjoyed the zoo exhibits and the bright spring plantings throughout as well. Busily collecting material for her swag bag, Amelia took time to offer her thoughts about Earth Day. “It’s about protecting the planet,” she said.

Proehl said, “Our conservation efforts include the earth, animals, energy and environmental concerns. They’re all tied together, actually. It’s an opportunity to make things better–to make the world a healthier place.”

Zoo Director Brenda Young concluded, “We’re learning better to do better.”

Several popular events are coming up at the David Traylor Zoo, located at 75 Sodens Road in south Emporia. Kids Zoocation is coming up on Saturday, May 3. Carnivore Cafe, operated by Hetlinger Development, opens on May 14. For more information about these and other Zoo programs, visit their website at www.emporiaks.gov/zoo or find them on social media, or call 620-341-4365.