Since Earth Day began in 1970, it has served as a powerful reminder to reflect on the state of our environment and take meaningful steps to protect our planet. This week, several Munster organizations are coming together to mark Earth Week with a series of educational and family-friendly events aimed at inspiring action for a greener future.
Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22. To foster awareness among students, the MHS Environmental Club will be displaying environmental themed artwork throughout the high schools common areas and will be collecting compostable food items during lunch periods.
Members of MHS Environmental Club decorate the commons for Earth Day
To keep the momentum going (pun intended), Munster Sustainable and Green is hosting a family bike ride on Wednesday, April 23, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. Cyclists of all ages are invited to meet at Greenway Bikehouse in Harrison Ridge Plaza, located next to the Munster South Shore station. The ride will follow the Monon Trail south to Fisher Street, then continue along the Pennsy Greenway to the skatepark near downtown Lansing before looping back.
Saturday, April 26, will be a big day for community engagement, with two exciting events taking place at Heritage Park, all sponsored by Munster Civic Foundation.
- From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Munster Sustainable and Green will host Munster’s 3rd Annual Earth Day Celebration. This free, family-friendly event will feature over 15 local organizations, with fun activities including games, crafts, face painting, and a free raffle for kids.
- Earlier that morning, Weed Wrangle Indiana will lead a hands-on invasive plant removal effort from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will help pull non-native garlic mustard and vinca vine, clearing the way for native wildflowers to thrive. Master Gardeners will be on hand to educate participants about invasive species and native restoration. Interested volunteers can email kitchelld@gmail.com for more information. The wrangle partners include Wild Ones: Gibson Woods, Munster Monarch, Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program, Hort4U, SICIM, Lake Co SWCD, Munster Parks and Munster Historical Society,
Also on Saturday and continuing into Sunday, volunteers with the Munster Community Garden will be cleaning up the garden at Cobblestone Park near the fire station. Anyone interested in lending a hand is welcome to stop by. (Event times TBD.)
Town Councilman Chuck Gardiner has been coordinating with many of the eco-conscious groups to bring programs to the town. “This ia a great way to kick off the season of outdoor activities,” Gardiner said. “I think it’s great that we have not one, but multiple organizations, that are working to bring programs and activities to the town for an occasion such as this.” Gardiner said,
Whether you’re biking, planting, learning, or pulling weeds, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.
Earth Week in Munster promises to be an energizing celebration of community, nature, and collective action.
