Emporia’s Party for the Planet has never been like this.
Typically a roughly two-hour event at the David Traylor Zoo, the event split into two locations and dramatically expanded its time for a host of informational and fun activities.
The zoo’s half of the event moved to Emporia State University’s Sauder Alumni Center at 1500 Highland with a risk of strong thunderstorms for the afternoon and evening hours, but Outreach Coordinator Dehlia Sutton says she was glad families had a chance to get more information about the local environment and the planet as a whole.
Meanwhile, the ESU Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center kicked things off with information about native animals and plants as well as conservation best practices. PAROC Outreach and Engagement Coordinator Daphne Mayes:
KVOE What’s In Outdoors host Phil Taunton called the event “a meeting of the minds.”
Ernesto Flores of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks says he had a lot of help as he pursued his goals and started his career. He wanted to offer that same help to kids who may be interested in earth sciences as a career but may not know how to get there.
Activities also a tree giveaway and plant swap, information about the environment and arts and crafts.
