Several businesses and organizations are hosting events around Minnesota this weekend in honor of Earth Day, which falls on Monday.
The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. in St. Paul, will host a party for the planet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) will host interactive Story Theater sessions with its “A Year With Frog and Toad” show in the Visitor Center lobby. CTC teaching artists will lead 30-minute sessions with games and theatre exercises that bring the book to life.
The Gabbert Raptor Center, 1920 Fitch Av. in St. Paul, will host a 45-minute program with its ambassador birds and a 15-minute tour of the courtyard from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday. The event costs $8 for adults and $5 for kids. The center will provide take-home raptor-advocate kits.
Buffalo Exchange, 2727 Lyndale Av. S. in Minneapolis, is hosting a $1 Earth Day sale Saturday. Proceeds go to Goats of Anarchy for rescue and rehabilitation of farm animals with disabilities. The sale is cash only.
Green Cities Accord and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will host an Arbor Day event at McRae Park, 906 E. 47th St., on April 25. Guests can partake in a pickleball tournament and enjoy music from Brass Solidarity, Minneapolis South High Music Boosters and the Arborators.
Several organizations are hosting Earth Day celebrations after the holiday.
The Department of Natural Resources is encouraging people to explore the outdoors by offering free parking April 27 at all 74 of its state parks.
Hoċokata Ṫi, 2300 Tiwahe Circle in Shakopee, will host its third-annual Earth Day event on April 26, where visitors can learn about the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s (SMSC) Earth-friendly initiatives from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can join an environmental presentation and guided nature walk beginning at 11 a.m. The talk is led by SMSC water resources scientist Jennie Sirota and cultural interpreter and naturalist Michael Kurtz. The two will cover a variety of environmental topics, including how to protect avian species and water. The event is $10 and includes free admission to Hoċokata Ṫi’s public exhibit, Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake.
