As has been the case for several years, Emporia celebrated Earth Day with a split event Saturday.
Activities started at Emporia State University’s Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center. Michael Parr, an aquatic invasive species biologist with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, says it was good to interact with the public and with other participating agencies like Emporia Spanish Speakers, the Emporia Public Library, the Emporia Arts Council and ESU.
Student groups like the ESU Green Club were involved. Member David George, a senior psychology student from Wichita, says the club helps to keep the campus clean. He also says the event is a good environment for learning about other activities.
Activities then moved to the David Traylor Zoo for its annual Party for the Planet. Emporia State was again represented at the zoo thanks to Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Dr. Joanna Gress.
Gress, an expert in bees and beekeeping, was educating visitors on the important role bees play in the world as pollinators. She says while most people think bees simply buzz and sting, their presence has a major impact on agriculture and crop production.
With that in mind, she says now is a bit of a scary time for bee experts as the species is experiencing its largest decrease in nearly 20 years. When asked what can be done to help reduce this decline in population, Gress says there is no shortage of simple steps individuals can take.
Upon exiting the zoo on Saturday, all families were gifted a new Redbud tree courtesy of the City of Emporia’s Natural Resources Advisory Board.
You can find YouTube Shorts from Saturday’s activity by clicking the links below.
David Traylor Zoo YouTube Short.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon and Chuck Samples/KVOE NewsÂ
