Next Wednesday is the annual day dedicated to environmental protection support – Earth Day.

And Grimes Farm will host a walk for the yearly observance.

Naturalist Emma Bruck said this is the second year the park has hosted the event.

“We host the Earth Day Walk to encourage people to get outside and enjoy nature while also learning more about the environment and ways they can connect with and care for it,” she said. “It’s a great way to celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful, local way.”

According to Bruck, several people have registered for the walk, and they are hoping to see that number grow as the registration deadline approaches, which is 4 p.m. on Friday.

Rather than just encouraging people to walk through Grimes, she said they will have a guided hike on a set route.

“The exact path and length may vary, depending on conditions, but it will be an easy walk on grass trails, approximately 1 to 1.5 miles and suitable for most participants,” Bruck said.

The walk will include stops along the way to talk about things such as blooming flowers, signs of animals and other seasonal highlights.

“I’ll also bring a variety of items to share and help enhance the experience,” she said. “Walkers will learn about the importance of native habitats and seasonal changes, while enjoying time outdoors and connecting with nature on Earth Day.”

EVENT INFO:

What: Earth Day Walk

Location: Grimes Farm

Address: 2349 233rd St.

Date: April 22

Hours: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Register: Call 641-752-5490 or send an email to mccb@marshallcountyia.gov

WAYS TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY:

Earth Day activities generally include those respecting the planet. Some things people can do are:

• Supporting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies by planting flowers which attract and sustain them;

• Organize a team to pick up litter in the community;

• Start practicing water conservation and;

• Plant some Iowa-native trees, such as basswood or wild plum.

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.