April Outdoors: How Our Community Celebrated Earth Month

The air felt a little fresher, the lake a little more inviting, and there was a shared sense across the community that small actions can make a difference. Earth Month gave us a reason to highlight that momentum, and the result was a month full of programs that were both engaging and meaningful.

 

We started the month with our annual Earth Day at Keay event. Families enjoyed a morning nature walk, snacks and Earth Day activities. The event was relaxed and let everyone join in at their own pace.

 

After Keay, we teamed up with Go Green Wilmette for a beach cleanup. Volunteers spent the morning making a visible difference, one small piece at a time. Soon after, Arbor Day with the Village and Wilmette Public Library gave out free tree seedlings. Residents came early to pick up redbuds, white oaks and tulip poplars and asked great questions about planting and caring for their new trees.

 

Sustainability Coordinator Lucy Mellen said, “Earth Month is always such a fun time to be in the environmental space.” She also shared, “There’s always something for everyone this month, and it’s a joy to bring that to our patrons.” Her words were a good reminder that the Earth needs our attention all year, not just in April.

 

Thinking ahead showed up in creative ways too. Students joined the Anti-Idling Campaign, using their imagination to turn a complex issue into bold, visual messages about cleaner air and smarter energy use. Their designs will soon be displayed across the district, reminding everyone that even small choices, like turning off a car, can make a difference.

 

Some of our youngest participants made a big impression. The Early Childhood Center started a new vegetable garden, learning directly from Wilmette Park District’s Horticulturist, and the excitement was clear. Children planted seeds, used watering cans, and each classroom cared for its own garden box. Watching the plants grow has become part of their routine, and they are learning patience, responsibility, and where food comes from.

 

For those wanting to learn more, the Spring Garden Prep Workshop offered practical and helpful advice. Participants talked about soil health, changing temperatures, and how to choose the best spot for a garden. It was more than just planting; it was about seeing how our choices affect the environment, even in ways we might not notice right away.

 

Earth Month also included a creative challenge led by our sewing instructor, Nancy Rose. Participants turned recycled fabric into imaginative pieces, giving new life to materials that might have been thrown away. She said, “This is the second year for this little challenge. I am always thinking about how we can teach kids to use art resources without wasting them.”

 

Earth Month showed us that connection often comes from simple actions, like picking up litter, planting in the soil, or turning fabric scraps into something new. Each moment mattered, and together they proved that small actions build habits and habits lead to change.