The city of Joplin is combining Earth Day, celebrated next Friday, and Arbor Day, marked on the final Friday in April, into one significant event. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

Spring is thankfully here, and with it, warmer temps, unpredictable weather, and the season to mark Earth and Arbor Days.

Join the Wildcat Glades Friends Group, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Master Naturalist, Joplin Parks & Recreation, and Liberty Utilities on Saturday, April 30, for a community-wide event full of fun, food, and music marking both Earth and Arbor Days.

The festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. at Wildcat Park in Joplin, just off Interstate 44. The celebration will feature live entertainment, food trucks, games, demonstrations, giveaways, and hands-on activities for kids.

Several Earth & Arbor-friendly community alliances will share information encouraging the care of our planet. Register for a free three-gallon potted tree for your yard and pick it up at the event. Visit krpsnews.com for more information.