RIVER FALLS – In the year since the initial Earth Fest occurred in River Falls, the much-discussed topic of sustainability has become even more so, making this year’s fest especially timely, event organizers say.

In the past year, the number of community groups and organizations seeking presentations about sustainability issues has continued to grow, said Mark Klapatch-Mathias, sustainability coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and Earth Fest co-chair. Likewise, the number of organizations participating in this year’s Earth Fest – set for April 22, Earth Day – has nearly doubled from last year to nearly 80 groups. 

“Global and local challenges continue to demonstrate the need for more sustainable lifestyles, and it seems the River Falls community is interested in learning more, engaging, and taking action,” Klapatch-Mathias said. 

That interest is evident by increased support for the second annual Earth Fest, Klapatch-Mathias said. The event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at Glen Park, 630 Glen Park Road, River Falls. Attendance is free, and the public is invited. 

Earth Fest is a celebration of community and environmental wellness efforts happening at UWRF and in the River Falls region, Klapatch-Mathias said. The event is a collaborative effort involving the UWRF Sustainability Office, the city of River Falls, the River Falls school district, and a variety of additional organizations.

In addition to nearly 80 exhibits intended to educate about sustainability related practices, this year’s event will include free samples of local and sustainable food and giveaways of such items as trees, LED light bulbs and other items used to address sustainability.

Attendees can bring well water samples to have tested, as well as one or two gently used adult clothing items to trade, an effort to reduce throwing away clothing. The site also will be home to battery recycling and prescription drug disposal.  

Sustainability is an issue of importance to many River Falls area residents, according to Mike Noreen, conservation and efficiency coordinator and forester for the city of River Falls. A major organizer of Earth Fest, Noreen said sustainability measures are a focus of River Falls city government as well, as evidenced by the fact the city has funded sustainable initiatives for the past 15 years.  

“You can tell if something is a priority based on its budget allocation,” he said. “River Falls has an innate conservation ethic, which we’re cultivating with innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy programming, electronics recycling, and composting and through the comprehensive plan.”

Last year’s Earth Fest focused on environment-related aspects of sustainability, Klapatch-Mathias said. While the environment is part of this year’s event as well, event organizers are adding a wellness component to this year’s fest, a recognition of a more holistic approach to sustainability, he said. 

“Our goal is to celebrate community and environmental wellness as we recognize the need to have a healthy and thriving community in order to care for the Earth,” Klapatch-Mathias said. 

Parking is limited at Glen Park, and free shuttle transportation is available from several River Falls locations in collaboration with the River Falls Bluegrass Festival. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place in the University Center at UWRF at 501 Wild Rose Ave., River Falls. A location decision will be made by 1 p.m. Thursday, April 20, and will be posted at https://www.hope4creationrf.org/earthfest

For more event information, visit https://www.hope4creationrf.org/earthfest and facebook.com/earthfest.RF

In addition to UWRF, the River Falls School District and the city of River Falls, other event hosts that form the planning committee include: Hope for Creation-River Falls, River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, River Falls Public Library, Mindful SOULutions, Grow to Share, Our Neighbor’s Place, Kinni Corridor Collaborative, Bee City USA RF Committee, Drive Electric Earth Day, Hope Lutheran Church, and Pierce County Public Health Department. 

Submitted UW-River Falls