Earth Day spurs Rochester to clean up its environmental act
Apr. 19—ROCHESTER — Don't think of Earth Day — technically April 22 of every year, so Monday — as your one chance to clean up and green up our planet.
Around Rochester, Earth Day is just the starting line for a plethora of events and opportunities to make Rochester a little bit better (or a Litter Bit Better).
While most Earth Day related events start Saturday, April 27, this year, there are some significant environmental steps being taken, and one starts on Earth Day itself.
On Monday, the city of Rochester's new sustainability coordinator, Kayla Betzold, goes on the job. What does that job entail? Well, in part, she provides education and works to implement and promote collaborative strategies on economic viability, environmental sustainability and social equity.
The next night, Pop's Art Theater at 619 Sixth Ave. NW will screen "Regenerating Life" a documentary film sponsored by EarthFest in Rochester. The film is free but requires
registration on the theater's website.
But participatory green action begin April 27 with two RNeighbors events.
At 8:30 a.m., April 27, the Spring 2024 RNeighborwoods Community Tree Planting will take place at Elmcroft Park, 505 Elmview Place SW.
René Halasey, RNeighbors' executive director, said the group works with multiple community partners including the city's forestry department to target neighborhoods that need new tree stock. The Elmstock Park area used to be an orchard, but the trees there are aging out, and new trees are needed.
Volunteers — no need to sign up, just show up, preferably with a shovel — of all ages will plant 100 trees.
Halasey said it's important to think of trees as infrastructure in the city. Their shade helps extend the life of roads, and their roots absorb stormwater.
"When I got this job, I appreciated trees, but I didn't understand the importance," Halasey said. "Plus there's the CO2, and the mental health aspects of the natural beauty."
Halasey added: "I don't think it's a bad thing to take time out of our lives and give back to the earth."
On the same day, the city's annual Litter Bit Better citywide cleanup efforts begin, continuing through May 4.
Halasey said participation is returning to pre-pandemic levels for the annual effort.
"Across the board, people became a little more isolated because of the pandemic," she said.
Signups are still happening, and there are still some parcels that don't have teams assigned.
One of the benefits of A Litter Bit Better is that it changes people's attitudes toward littering.
"We have found if you are are part of a pick up, you can't leave litter," Halasey said.
As Little Bit Better is winding down, the city's 10th annual EarthFest event will happen from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4 at Northrop Education Center next to Goose Egg Park.
Ivan Idso, board chairman for EarthFest, said the event will have its second year at Northrop several learning sessions, nearly 40 vendors, food trucks, games and activities for kids, electric vehicles and more.
This year, Idso said, AARP is offering e-bike trials for people to get a closer look and the feel of these green transportation devices.
The event is expected to attract hundreds of visitors learning about great ways to add environmental efforts into your daily life.
But the organization won't stop at EarthFest this year.
"Right now, we're focused on getting through EarthFest, but we want to grow it a little bit more," Idso said.
On July 25, Idso will host a
workshop at the Rochester International Event Center
on building community resilience.
"Our lifestyle and our consumption is what's causing biodiversity loss and climate change." Idso said.
The workshop will include speakers, and Idso said he's inviting community leaders in both city and county government, plus business leaders.
"It's important that we hear the same message and talk the same language," he said.
When: Saturday, April 27, 2024, starting at 8:30 a.m. (finished around 11 a.m.).
Where: Elmcroft Park, 505 Elmview Place SW.
What: Volunteers register at the check-in table to be assigned to teams that will plant trees. Each planting group will have at least one Citizen Forester to ensure each tree is planted properly. No experience necessary or age limits, or pre-registration needed. If you have a shovel, bring it and label it with your name.
When: April 27 through May 4, 2024.
Where: Across Rochester.
What: A citywide cleanup effort. For more information or to sign up, visit
When: Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Northrop Education Center, 201 Eighth St. NW.
What: More than 30 sustainability exhibitors, an EV car show, games and activities for all ages, food trucks and live music. At 10:30 a.m., keynote speaker Heidi Roop, author of "The Climate Action Handbook," will talk about starting and sustaining climate actions with climate solutions that are all around us. For more information, visit
