Earth Day: Make the World a Better Place

​Plan your Unit’s Conservation service hours - Earth Day April 22, 2023

Spring is the perfect time to think about getting your unit together to make an impact in your community with conservation work. Northern Star’s Outdoor Ethics and Conservation Committee invites your unit to participate in this year’s Earth Day 2023. Investing in an outdoor area near your unit can happen any time, but there are wonderful opportunities around the council. Think about working with your unit or combining with other units to make an impact. Work with local officials and they may even be able to provide you with buckthorn pullers and be willing to haul away the debris when your crew is done. 

Other great ideas are to: pick up trash, plant trees, host a recycling event, clean around street drains, remove invasive species, and prepare areas for restoration and planting. You can look here for city-wide opportunities: 

https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-earth-day-family-events/

Here are two Scout-Specific events to get your started

Unite for Earth Day at Orono Nature Center. Regular participating units are Scouts BSA Troops 571, 569, and 206, Orono Police Explorer post, Packs 285 & 206, and Venturing Crew 3695. In addition to the educational displays and mini-classes, people pick up trash, clear debris and vines from the fire pit area and trails, tighten up benches, remove buckthorn, and more! Participants arrive and leave based on their availability with school, clubs, sports, work, etc.  Most people stay for about three hours - but stay as little or as long as you would like.  Families and Friends are welcome to participate. Monday, April 24, 2:30 – 8:00 PM.

Registration is open: https://uniteforearthday.wixsite.com/home

Help plant 50 American Elm Trees in the first-ever Minnesota reforestation of American Elms identified as naturally resistant to Dutch Elm disease by the University of Minnesota Invasive Species Lab. Learn the science behind the project, roll up your sleeves and get dirty, and meet Scouts from across the metro area who share your interest and commitment to conservation. This is an Eagle Scout project, being led by Green Crew (Venture Crew 3111) cofounder Hannah Barisonzi, with the support of the Green Crew on behalf of the University of Minnesota Invasive Species Lab and the Izaak Walton League of America. Join us on Saturday April 22nd (Earth Day) and/or Sunday April 23rd for a morning, afternoon, or all-day shift.

For more information and to RSVP please go here: https://greencrew.club/elmtrees_earthday

So, work with your youth to make a plan and get some conservation volunteers scheduled for the Earth Day 2023.