Michigan City group previews Earth Month Extravaganza with tree plantings, beach cleanup and EV showcase

Andy Jensen Davis, introduced as a guest at the March 12 meeting of the Michigan City Sustainability Commission, said the paperwork is filed and planning is underway for an Earth Month Extravaganza set for Saturday, April 25, with an indoor event from 12 to 3 p.m. and outdoor activities beginning at 9 a.m.

"We do start with a tree planting with the Walker Street Community Garden," Andy said, and added that the group expects volunteers to plant multiple trees and to host a seed swap during the indoor hours. He urged residents to bring extra seeds "— whatever seeds you've got" to share.

The commission heard that the beach cleanup will start at 10 a.m. (the speaker noted times may shift depending on wind and conditions) and that Indiana Department of Environmental Management and Laeport County Recycling will jointly host the cleanup. Drive Clean Indiana will bring an electric vehicle showcase outside the venue, with some vehicles available for attendees to sit in and compare models.

Commissioners and organizers listed participating partners and programs, including Barker Middle School, Discovery Charter School, First Presbyterian Church, Green Burial, Michigan City Tree Board (which will hold a free tree giveaway), Midwest Minority Consortium, Leaport County Park Department, Leaport County Recycling and local volunteer groups. Laura Henderson, a former commissioner, was named as a planned guide for one or two hikes during event hours.

Organizers described logistics for tables and greeters, noting that the building will be open and volunteers will help guide visitors to indoor and outdoor activities. Andy asked commissioners to publicize the event on the commission’s Facebook page; a flyer exists in draft and will be posted once finalized.

The commission encouraged members to volunteer and help with signage, staffing greeter stations and distributing flyers. Andy said leftover items from an equipment swap could be offered to parks or shelters after the event.

The commission’s recap emphasized the event’s mix of hands-on activities, educational displays and community outreach during Earth Month. The commission did not take a formal vote related to the event but set expectations for further coordination and promotion by members and staff.