Earth Day was April 22, 2022 and the Nature Conservancy in Indiana (TNC), an environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive, commemorated Earth Day with a variety of in-person and virtual events.
Locally, TNC and a group of volunteers met at the Big Walnut Nature Preserver (also known as Fortune Wood) in the Roachdale and Bainbridge area on Saturday for an Earth Day Garlic Mustard Pull. Garlic mustard, while edible, is a non-native and invasive plant. Volunteers met at the reserve early in the morning to learn how to identify the plant and how to safely remove it to stop its spread.
Esmé Barniskis, TNC Indiana’s Volunteer & Events Coordinator, also stated TNC works with Department of Nature Preserves and Hoosier Hikers Council. The Hoosier Hikers Council recently rerouted a trail at the Big Walnut Forest Reserve to follow along a ravine, making for a more interesting hike.
TNC stated there are many small but impactful steps Hoosiers can take to be good stewards of the environment, which can be done anytime, not just Earth Day. Those include:
- Plant trees to improve air quality and remove carbon from the atmosphere
- Recycle
- Carry reusable water bottles
- Be a conscientious traveler (walk, bike, bus or carpool to work)
- Switch to energy efficient appliances or a smart thermostat to prevent unnecessary energy expenditure
- Participate in meatless Monday or plan one meal per week without meat
