The event is free and open to the public.
The Greater Prescott Outdoors Fund organizes the event, which runs alongside the Wildfire Expo, hosted by the Prescott Area Wildland Urban Interface Commission on Cortez Street between Gurley and Union streets. Earth Day marks the beginning of Earth Week, which includes a series of evening events hosted by various organizations.
The celebration will feature booths from environmental groups, businesses offering eco-friendly products and services, and organizations focused on environmental education and recreation. The event is free and open to the public.
Rod Moyer, who has organized the event for the Greater Prescott Outdoors Fund for the past eight years, said there is always a waiting list for booths. “It’s a great day, and it’s very festive,” he said. “It’s a fun and educational experience.”
One of the most popular attractions is the children’s area, overseen by Ellen Bashor, executive director of the Community Nature Center in Prescott. More than a thousand children are expected to participate in hands-on environmental activities.
“Ellen educates the kids on the environment and outdoor activities,” Moyer said. “Kids love getting their faces painted with Earth Day themes.”
Parents can drop their children off in the designated children’s area while exploring the rest of the event. Several booths will focus on sustainability and climate change, with an emphasis on practical solutions rather than political debates.
“We don’t get into whether climate change is man-made or not, but we do talk about the changes happening,” Moyer said.
Key topics will include how Prescott can adapt to climate challenges and address water shortages caused by drought. Organizations such as the Quad Cities Climate Collaborative, Sierra Club and Prescott College Sustainability will discuss climate issues, while the Citizens Water Advisory Group will provide information on water conservation.
Greg Murray, who will divide his time among booths for the Central Arizona Wildlife Alliance, Interfaith Climate and the Quad Cities Climate Collaborative, said sustainability has a triple bottom line that includes the environment, economics and community health. “We need to use resources to meet our needs without impacting future generations,” he said.
Murray noted that climate change is often seen as a challenge but also has economic implications that many people overlook. His work with the Interfaith Climate Action Team involves 11 congregations in the Quad Cities area, each with its own climate team addressing local environmental concerns. He highlighted wildfire risk assessment as a key focus for the region.
Murray also was involved in the Quad Cities Climate Collaborative’s successful effort to encourage the Prescott City Council to establish a sustainability advisory group. The group reports to the city manager rather than the council. “We need to look at the best practices of other places,” he said.
He praised this year’s theme of connectivity, emphasizing the need for collaboration among environmental groups. He also noted that Prescott benefits from retirees with expertise in sustainability who are eager to volunteer their time. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Earth Week Events:
April 22 – Earth Day Climate Rally Hosted by the Quad Cities Climate Collaborative
Time: 5 p.m. (Location TBD)
April 23 – Interfaith Service on Care of the Earth Hosted by the Interfaith Climate Action Team Location: First Congregational Church
Time: 5 p.m.
April 24 – Energy Choice in Arizona Hosted by Sierra Club/Yavapai Group and Arizonans for Community Choice
Location: Crossroads Center, Prescott College
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
April 25 – “Common Ground” Film Screening and Panel Discussion Hosted by Prescott Peacebuilders, ICAT, AZIPL and Yavapai College
Location: Yavapai College
Time: 6 p.m.
Photo by Stan Bindell: Firefighters shared information about preparing homes and families for wildfire at the 2024 Earth Day event.
Leave a Reply