Earth Day Every Day Series
Happy Earth Day 2023! Officially recognized on April 22, Stark Parks will be hosting Earth Day events in April and throughout 2023. There are not too many things that every person in this world has in common, but it starts with sharing this planet together.
On Earth Day, we look at what we have done in the past and what we hope to do in the future from a personal perspective and a larger community. We invite you to come together with other individuals, families, and groups and show appreciation for our mother earth by participating in these service activities and programs.
Please fill out the form below to register and receive more details about the Litter Clean Ups and other programs and days of service during the year.
2023 Clean Up and Activity Schedule
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Earth Day Open House
April 21, 5 to 7 p.m. Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park
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Litter Pick Ups
April 22, 2023 All clean-ups begin at 9 a.m.
Join us on the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day at one of these locations for a morning clean up! A representative from Stark Parks will provide instructions and materials (gloves and trash bags) to volunteers. We recommend that you wear closed-toe shoes and bring layers.
Please register for clean ups using the form below.Deer Creek Reservoir (Alliance area)
Volunteers will walk on and along the limestone trail picking up trash and enjoying the views of the reservoir.Esmont Park (Canton Twp.) Please note that the Esmont Park clean up is now full.
Volunteers will walk on and along the 0.6 natural surface loop trail picking up trash.Iron Horse Trail (City of Alliance)
Volunteers will walk on and along the limestone trail picking up trash. Park at Rodman Public Library at 215 E Broadway St, Alliance 44601. -
City Nature Challenge
April 29, 2023
Fry Family ParkThe City Nature Challenge is an international effort for people to find and document anything from plants and wildlife to mushrooms and tracks, in cities across the globe. It is a citizen-science style competition where cities are in a contest against each other to see who can make the most observations in nature, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people. Last year, our region placed 7th in the world overall.
Bring your camera or smartphone to Fry Family Park anytime between 4-10 pm. Explore on your own or drop in at our Information Booth at the Fry Family Visitors Center to share your findings, ask questions, or join a naturalist at the top of each hour for a 30 minute Critter Crawl in search of curious critters to observe.
More about City Nature Challenge.
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Garlic Mustard Contest (Invasive Species Pull)
May 6, 2023 Anytime between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake ParkStark Parks has joined the annual garlic mustard pulling contest against the City of Green, Put-In-Bay, Portage Park District, and others. Join us at the Wildlife Conservation Center to help Stark County come out on top! Garlic mustard, an invasive weed that poses a threat to our native plants and wildlife, is easily pulled by hand. In rare cases it can be mildly irritating to the skin, so wear long sleeves, and bring your competitive spirit! Registration is not required, drop-in anytime to help.
Note: if pulling on your own, it must be bagged and thrown in the trash. -
River and Creek Clean Up
Oct. 7, 2023, 9 a.m. Tuscarawas River (Canal Fulton)
Volunteers will follow the Towpath Trail south from Lock 4 Trailhead along the limestone and asphalt trail and in the water picking up trash and enjoying the Fall scenery. Representatives from Stark Parks will provide instructions and materials such as gloves, trash bags, life jackets, and waders. Volunteers who are in the water will be pulling a canoe or kayak provided by Stark Parks, Canal Fulton Canoe Livery, and Ernie's Bike Shop. We recommend that you wear closed-toe shoes and bring layers. -
Seed Collection and Cleaning
Seed Collections
Oct. 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30, 2023
Held at various locations announced later in the year.
Seed Cleanings
Nov. 4, 9, and 17, 2023 -
Trash to Treasure Recycle Art Contest
Another person's trash could be your ticket to a winning art piece! Join Friends of Stark Parks and partners, Stark Parks, Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District, Ohio Ocean Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore Canton for our annual upcycle art contest in celebration of America Recycles Day in November! We’re looking for the most unique piece of art made entirely of recycled items. Don’t toss it, reuse it and you could win gift cards!
2023 details coming soon. -
Christmas Bird Count
Dec. 16, 2023
Quail Hollow Park
More details will be posted later in the year.
