HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Zoo is inviting the community to celebrate Earth Day with a full day of family-friendly activities during its “Party for the Planet” event on Saturday.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the zoo, located at 6 Emerson Loop East, and will feature a variety of educational exhibits, hands-on activities and animal encounters focused on conservation and environmental stewardship.
Visitors can explore interactive learning stations, including the Stream Flow trailer from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a Prairie Habitat trailer, and booths hosted by the Hutchinson Public Library and Reno County Master Gardeners. Free plant giveaways and bird-safe glass sticker kits will be available while supplies last.
Additional highlights include a wildlife rehabilitation station with ambassador animal encounters, a River Otter Keeper Chat scheduled for 12:30 p.m., Prairie Thunder Railroad rides, and the zoo’s mini farm.
A series of community lectures will also be offered throughout the day in the zoo’s Education Center. Topics include backyard birding at 10 a.m., zoo conservation initiatives at 1 p.m., composting at 2 p.m., and conserving native wildlife at 3 p.m.
For those interested in getting an early start, the zoo is hosting a Prairie Restoration Project beginning at 8:30 a.m., where volunteers can help kick off restoration efforts on zoo grounds. Participants are encouraged to wear close-toed shoes.
Zoo officials say the event is designed to engage the community in conservation efforts while providing opportunities to learn more about protecting natural resources and wildlife.
The Hutchinson Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. For more information, visit hutchinsonzoo.org or call 620-694-2672.