Organizer Courtney Rowe leads the Cedar Rapids March for Science through NewBo City Market on Earth Day 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Cedar Rapids was among more than 600 cities around the world to host a March for Science on Earth Day, coinciding with the long-running EcoFest that marks the annual celebration.

Organizer of the local march, Courtney Rowe, noted that reliable scientific data is needed to ensure that our children have clean air, clean water and a healthy climate.

Shannon Ramsay, founding president and CEO of Trees Forever, shares a laugh with Yardy in front of the Trees Forever booth at EcoFest 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

More than two dozen people marched from the NewBo City Market, the site of EcoFest, to Rep. Rod Blum’s office in downtown Cedar Rapids, as a show of support for scientific research, which has been under siege under Republican administrations both in Iowa and nationwide.

EcoFest featured educational programs by Raptology of Iowa City and other organizations, informational booths hosted by several non-profit environmental groups, an Eco Film Festival at CSPS and live music outdoors.

See images from a Cedar Rapids demonstration at the Mother Mosque and a protest of the proposed repeal of the Affordable Care Act as well as more photos from Earth Day 2017:

Gonzo the turkey vulture was one of two raptors brought to EcoFest by Raptology of Iowa City. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Raptology of Iowa City taught the crowd at EcoFest about birds of prey, such as Mollie, a kestrel. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The crowd at NewBo City Market looks at talons from raptors during EcoFest 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Gonzo the turkey vulture spreads its wings during a presentation by Raptology of Iowa City on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Turkey vultures have 6-foot wingspans. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

A child looks around during a tree walk conducted by Trees Forever during EcoFest 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The Deep Dish Divas perform on the NewBo Market stage during EcoFest 2017 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Yardy gives a high five to a child outside of the NewBo City Market during EcoFest on April 22, 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center brought a Madagascar hissing cockroach for spectators to see during EcoFest. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Plants from the Lowe Park Greenhouse in Marion were sold during EcoFest 2017 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Maura Pilcher, center, and Todd McNall, right, pause in front of Little House Artifacts while leading an architectural walking tour of New Bohemia during EcoFest on April 22, 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Children draw their signs to prepare for the March for Science on Earth Day 2017, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The Cedar Rapids March for Science begins outside of the NewBo City Market on Earth Day 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Marchers make their way in front of the NewBo City Market during the Cedar Rapids March for Science on Saturday, April 22, 2017. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Marchers make their way to Rep. Rod Blum’s office in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during the March for Science. (photo/Cindy Hadish)