A dung beetle sculpture greets visitors to the NewBo City Market during a past EcoFest in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The beetle is said to be among the world’s most efficient recyclers, a point of emphasis for the event. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

An Earth Day celebration that began in 2010 returns this Saturday, April 22, with EcoFest 2017 scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Cedar Rapids.

The event features live music, local vendors, artists, educational programs and more.

Most activities take place in and around the NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE, with the Eco Film Festival and presentations on pollinators and post-industrial landscapes set inside CSPS, just across the street at 1103 Third St. SE.

Following is the day’s schedule. See photos from EcoFest 2016 and find more information on this Saturday’s festival at EcoFest.org

Yardy was a popular figure during EcoFest 2016 outside the NewBo City Market. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

10:30 a.m.

OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS RAPTOR PROGRAM

Outside NewBo Market

10:30 a.m.

“COWSPIRACY”

A groundbreaking feature-length environmental documentary following intrepid filmmaker Kip Andersen as he uncovers the most destructive industry facing the planet today – and investigates why the world’s leading environmental organizations are too afraid to talk about it.

(1hr, 31 minutes) at CSPS

11:00 a.m.

NEW BOHEMIA ARCHITECTURAL TOUR

A Czech Village-New Bohemia Main Street member will lead a walk through the area highlighting unique architectural features and history of the district.  (Meet at EcoFest Information Booth near NewBo Market entrance)

NOON

NEW BO TREE WALK WITH TREES FOREVER

A Trees Forever staff member will lead a tree walk featuring trees that meet the needs of urban business and home owners.  (meet at EcoFest Information Booth near NewBo Market entrance).

12:30 p.m.

“THE MONARCH: A BUTTERFLY BEYOND BORDERS”

The latest findings on the life cycle and migration of the familiar, yet mysterious, butterfly. (47 minutes) at CSPS

1:30 p.m.

POLLISCAPING –
DESIGNING FROM A POLLINATOR’S EYES

What can we do to help our pollinators survive and thrive?  Plant a Pollinator Garden with plants they love, and then maintain it for years to come.  This presentation will give tips and information on how to choose plants for your site, how to plant them, and what will be necessary to maintain them — saving time and money over the years. Master Gardner Becki Lynch will present this program. At C Space in CSPS.

3:00 p.m.

COLIN LYONS,
GRANT WOOD FELLOW/

VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

Talk on post-industrial landscapes, geoengineering, and new art installation at Mount Trashmore.  At C Space in CSPS.

MUSIC AT THE NEWBO MARKET STAGE

11 a.m.

JONNY LIPFORD

Native American Flutist Pop/Rock

NOON

AMELIA + MELINA

Cedar Falls Indie/Folk Duo

1 p.m.

DEEP DISH DIVAS

Dishin’ up an eclectic mix of vintage novelties, folk, swing, traditional, a cappella and more.

2 p.m.

CEDAR COUNTY COBRAS

A contagious, acoustic, rockabilly, dancing bluegrass, or brand new old-time country with the gritty sound of soulful blues.

Other events and participants:

ECO-FAIR

Visit with local eco-vendors, enjoy interactive activities and learn about eco-related events in our community. Activites include:

Learn how to upscale furniture
Nature Playscape Area
Learn about windmills by playing with scale models
Test your nature knowledge
Make seed balls for the monarchs and other pollinators
Get your own free compost
Learn to compost
Play yard games
Learn to garden in your home

ARBONNE

10:00AM – 3PM

FREE FACE PAINTING BOOTH

INTERACTIVE COMPOSTING DEMONSTRATION WITH AARON HANSON

PHOTO BOOTH – TAKE YOUR OWN ECOFUN PHOTOS (NEAR ICNC AND WICKIUP HILL BOOTHS)

NEW WORK FROM THE GRANT WOOD ART COLONY FELLOWS WITH COLIN LYONS AT CSPS

ALLIANT ENERGY YOUR FUTURE IN VIRTUAL REALITY

BEE APART BEE TOGETHER

CR SCHOOLS GREEN TEAM

CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS

Rezone, City’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Update
Solar On City Facilities And Ways To Get Involved
Stormeater Cost-Share For Residents
Bike Trail Plans And Safety
#1Bagblitz
Star Communities

COMPOST NINJA

ECO MOW LLC

CEDAR VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY/RESTORE

FRIENDS OF CEDAR LAKE

Giant Connect-Four Game

FRIENDS OF IOWA CITY COHOUSING

FRIENDS OF CEDAR LAKE AND SLEEPING G BRIDGE

FRONTIER COOP

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR YOUR HOME

GREEN IOWA AMERICORPS

HENNA BODY ART

I-RENEW

ISU EXTENSION

INDIAN CREEK NATURE CENTER

IOWA 350

IOWA CITY COHOUSING

IOWA HENNA

IOWA MASTER NATURALISTS

LINN COUNTY CONSERVATION

LINN COUNTY SOLID WASTE AGENCY

RED WIGGLER WORMS

Interact with red wiggler worms. Learn about composting and the future of Mt. Trashmore.

MILKWEED MATTERS

MONARCHS OF EASTERN IOWA

MOUNT MERCY UNIVERSITY ENACTUS

NATIONAL CENTER FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION

PRAIRIEWOODS FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY CENTER

SIERRA CLUB

SUMMIT SCHOOLS

All about backyard bee homes.

TANDA NATURALS

TOWER GARDEN AND JUICE PLUS

TREES FOREVER

TUPPER-WARE