Salina, Kansas

The U.S. EPA provides technical assistance and grant funds through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program. This program helps communities organize and take action to reduce risks due to toxic pollutants and environmental health concerns in the local environment. A two-year, Level I grant was awarded for Salina to better understand, identify, and prioritize their environmental health issues. The Salina CARE Program fact sheet provides details about this process and the Salina partners supporting the project.  Results of public ranking of issues and background information on identified issues are available below.

A subsequent two-year, Level II grant was awarded to the City of Salina to implement projects that address some of the priority environmental health concerns including radon, lead, and other Healthy Homes issues; stormwater quality; water conservation; organic gardening and food preservation; and proper disposal of household hazardous waste and unused pharmaceuticals.  The ultimate goal of CARE projects is to establish a long-term structure of volunteers and practices that promote sustainability in the community.

EARTH DAY 2012 WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Something for everyone!

Friday, April 20

• Rick Gasaway, author of An Inconvenient Purpose:  12:00 - 1:45 p.m.
  Enjoy lunch (on your own) at Martinelli's, 158 S. Santa Fe, while listening to a presentation about a Christian approach to climate change and oil dependence. 

• 3rd Friday Film, documentary, Power of Community:  7:00 p.m.
  Learn about a study of Cuba's amazing climb out of fossil fuel dependence to community food production and self-reliance.  Unitarian Fellowship of Salina, 901 Beatrice Ave.

Saturday, April 21

• Salina Spring Spruce-Up: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  Come assist residents in the area of North Street to Republic Street and west of Santa Fe with removal of excess items.  Meet at the Friendship Center, 746 Commanche, to be assigned a project location. Work until noon then return for a celebration lunch.  Pre-registration by April 13 requested.  Use the form at this button or call 785-823-3128.  
• Earth Day 8K Adventure Run & Prairie Stroll:  8:00 a.m. run, 9:30 a.m. walk
  This point-to-point trail race is a fundraiser sponsored by Lakewood Mustang Stampede, a group promoting a healthy lifestyle for middle school students.  Starts at Oxbow Park, ends at Lakewood Park.  The enjoyable 1.5-mile Prairie Stroll goes through the urban wildlife sanctuary and re-established prairie within Lakewood Park.  
• Salina Green Fair:  10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  Come to Lakewood Park (south side) where Salina area organizations, businesses, schools, and restaurants will showcase how they are making positive impacts to the environment.  Kid’s activities. Drawings for prizes.  Free radon test kits for Salina residents.  Free disposal of mercury thermometers, mercury thermostats, and unused pharmaceuticals.  Worm composting and rain barrel making (purchase at cost).  No charge to participate!  

Sunday, April 22

• Practical Backyard Tour of Salina:  1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
  Find out how your backyard can entertain & sustain you, and maybe save a little money too.  These practical backyards will give you lots of ideas to take home.  Visit one or all of the stops on the Practical Backyard Tour and meet other folks in Salina and the surrounding area who want to work in partnership with their backyards!  No charge to participate.     

Earth Day events are sponsored by

• City of Salina Community Development
• Lakewood Discovery Center
• Lakewood Mustang Stampede
• Salina C.A.R.E. Partnership
• Serving Salina Together
• The Resilience Group
• The Volunteer Connection

Page last modified by Administrator on April 2nd, 2012.