Offerings range from free park entrance to mountain-man encampments

Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, and many Kansas state parks have scheduled events to celebrate the state's natural resources. Kanopolis (near Ellsworth) and Lovewell (near Mankato) state parks are just two that have planned events this year.
Kanopolis State Park will celebrate on April 22 and 23 with a variety of activities from work to play. From 10 a.m. to noon, volunteers will meet at the South Shore Beach House and divide into teams to pick up litter throughout the South Shore State Park. In the afternoon, volunteers will plant trees at the Rockin’ K Horse Campground Shelter.

Large groups are encouraged to call the park office, 785-546-2565, and let staff know they are coming. In addition to the work days, this weekend will offer Free Park Entrance Days, so volunteers and others may enjoy the park's other offerings free of charge. (Overnight camping fees are still required.)
Lovewell State Park will conduct OK Kids Day on April 22, offering hands-on activities that illustrate how Plains Indians and early Kansas settlers lived. Several rendezvous and mountain-man encampments will be set up, complete with authentic teepees, flint knapping demonstrations, tomahawk throwing, muzzleloader shooting, native American bow and arrow shooting, fur trapping and trading, Dutch oven cooking, and campfire basics. OK Kids participants will have the opportunity to try their hands at these activities.

Registration for the Lovewell event will begin at 8 a.m. at the state park office, and activities will start at 9 a.m. Registration is necessary to be eligible for prizes. At noon, a lunch will be provided. Activities should wrap up by early to mid-afternoon. Vehicle permits will be required.

Other Earth Day events may be planned throughout the state. Phone the nearest office of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for more information.
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