Explore Earth Day with Free and Creative Programs for All Ages
March 22, 2019 — Concerned about Earth’s future? Want to do more to help sustain our world? The Library has a series of programs in honor of Earth Day 2019 for all ages to learn about how to keep Earth healthy.
Jordan Creek Underground Tour
Friday, April 19, for adults age 18 and older only. Discover the history of Jordan Creek, a graffiti-covered, urban stream that runs below downtown Springfield. This guided tour, led by the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, will explore the history of waterways within Springfield and reflect on how our actions impact their future. Tours meet at the west end of the parking lot at 319 N. Main Ave. and require the ability to climb in and out of the creek using a stepladder. You will also be underground and wading in shallow water (6-12 inches), so bring a flashlight and close-toed shoes (preferably waterproof). Each tour limited to 20 participants. Registration starts March 29; call 883-5341. Tours are at 2-3:30 p.m. and 5:30-7 p.m.
Recycled Seed Paper
Saturday, April 20, 2 p.m. in the Library Center Story Hour Room. Learn how to make your own seed paper from recycled materials, then take it home to write on or plant in your garden. Materials will be provided. Registration starts April 6; call 883-5341.
Earth Day Crafting
Saturday, April 20, 1:30-3 p.m. for age 16 and older in the Willard Branch Library. Celebrate Earth Day by decorating terracotta pots, then take home a plant of your own at the end of the program. Materials will be provided; seating is limited. Registration starts April 1; call 742-4258.
Leave No Trace: Big Adventure, Tiny Impact
Monday, April 22, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. Make plans to Leave No Trace during your summer outdoor adventures with helpful tips from Justin Smith with the Springfield-Greene County Outdoor Initiatives Department and Clarissa Hatley of the City of Springfield’s Department of Environmental Services. They’ll tell you how to minimize your ecological footprint while floating in the Ozarks with information about water quality, responsible riverbank camping and more.
Life is a River: A Bend Beyond
Tuesday, April 23, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. Author and activist Todd Parnell relates his personal experiences on the Buffalo River and shares his urgent message about the dangers of industrial farming to the Buffalo River and our Ozarks waterways. Copies of his book “Pig Farm” will be available for purchase and signing.
Make and Take Terrariums
Wednesday, April 24, 6-8 p.m. in the Library Center Story Hour Room. Bring a little more green into your world with terrariums. Library staff will lead you through the science and design of the perfect terrarium, then you'll create your own mini ecosystem to take home. Materials will be provided. Registration starts April 11; call 883-5341.
Living Ozarks: Our History and Legacy to Future Generations
Thursday, April 25, 7-9 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. Join us for an evening exploring the issues surrounding water quality, land use and natural resources of the Ozarks. At 7 p.m., contributing authors will read excerpts from the anthology “Living Ozarks: The Ecology and Culture of a Natural Place,” interspersed with traditional Ozarks music performed by area musicians. At 7:45 p.m. a panel of local environmental experts and Ozarks historians discuss the changes in Ozarks ecology over the past century and what they mean as we move into the future. Panelists include Watershed Committee of the Ozarks Executive Director Mike Kromrey, former Chairman of the Missouri Clean Water Commission Todd Parnell, History Museum on the Square Executive Director John Sellars and Ozarks Watch Magazine Managing Editor Susan Croce Kelly.
“Godzilla”
Wednesday, May 1 3-5 p.m. for age 13-grade 12, in the Fair Grove Branch Library. Celebrate Earth Day by watching Godzilla defend our planet, rated PG-13, 2014.
We Love the Earth
Wednesday, May 8, 3-5 p.m. for grades K-4, in the Fair Grove Branch. Celebrate Earth Day and learn how you can make Earth greener with activities and crafts using recycled household materials. Materials will be provided.