Riveredge Nature Center Event Jump Starts Earth Day Thinking

To celebrate Earth Day, volunteers at the Riveredge Nature Center took action to clean up the grounds and preserve the area for native species.

Director of Volunteer Support Pat Fox-Schindler explained how through different activities — such as working in the organic garden and cleaning up the habitat for endangered butterflies — individuals become more educated about the environment while developing a relationship with nature.  

Earth Day was originally observed by Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson in 1970.  Nelson wanted to raise awareness about air and water pollution, and declared that the day would serve as a "national teach-in on the environment," according to the Earth Day Network.

Forty-one years later, April 22 continues to be reconigized as Earth Day, which this year happens to be Friday.

Continuing the idea of environmental education, Fox-Schindler said Riveredge Nature Center, 4458 W. Hawthorne Dr., Saukville, held last weekend's afternoon event to offer an "opportunity to learn."

Participants gathered at Riveredge Saturday to learn how to become more environmentally friendly, and staff taught individuals the ins and outs of organic gardening while providing tips on how to compost at home.  

Volunteers also worked on improving the natural play area for children and repairing birdhouses throughout the 370 acre property.  

Volunteers tended to the habitat for the endangered Swamp Metalmark butterfly on Saturday, as well, clearing out tall grasses and dogwood plants to provide the optimum environment for the threatened species.

Riveredge Earth Day activities have been a staple for the center for more than 15 years, Fox-Schindler said, and the day provides locals with environmental education, just as Nelson envisioned more than 40 years ago.