EAC marks Earth Day with tree plantings, recycling and free tree giveaways

The Erie City Environmental Advisory Council used its April 20 meeting to recap Earth Day and Arbor Day activities and to announce upcoming community events. Members reported that the city planted a first ceremonial tree with Mayor Devlin and Representative Merski and that additional plantings and volunteer opportunities were scheduled for McKinley Park.

The sustainability coordinator said the city will host a tire and electronics recycling day on Saturday, May 2; residents may bring up to six tires per vehicle and city staff will unload vehicles so participants do not need to exit their cars. The coordinator also confirmed partnerships for tree giveaways and volunteers at McKinley Park, naming Presque Isle Bird Observatory, DCNR staff and Erie County Community College among participants.

The coordinator encouraged residents to join planting and mulching activities and noted that mulch and tree distributions will continue at partner locations. Council members also discussed leaf‑management and backyard composting as resilience measures and encouraged public education on those options.

No formal votes were taken on these items; the council asked staff to share event details and continue outreach to recruit volunteers and fill a vacant board seat.