KCAO Celebrates Earth Day and Invites Community to Good Neighbor Day Block Party

KCAO celebrated Earth Day with a Block Party and Resource Fair on April 15 at the Home Garden Opportunity Center, bringing together nearly 100 community members for an afternoon of connection, sustainability, and hands on learning.

With the support of 15 dedicated volunteers from both the community and AmeriCorps, the event offered families and community members a chance to learn about environmental stewardship while taking part in fun, interactive activities. Attendees pedaled a bike powered blender to make fresh strawberry smoothies, planted pumpkin seeds in compostable pots, and created naturally dyed paper using flower petals.

The event also gave participants the opportunity to work directly in the community garden. Volunteers and attendees planted onions, beets, and spinach, while also harvesting baskets of carrots, onions, and cilantro. Together, they helped remove trash and weeds from the surrounding areas, keeping the garden clean, beautiful, and ready for future use.

One of the highlights of the day was the release of more than 1,500 ladybugs into the garden. The ladybugs will help support the health of the garden by naturally protecting plants and encouraging a thriving growing space.

The Earth Day Block Party reflected KCAO’s ongoing commitment to building strong community connections, promoting self-sufficiency, and encouraging care for the environment. Through activities focused on gardening, nutrition, recycling, and sustainability, families were able to learn practical ways to care for the planet while also strengthening their connection to local resources.

KCAO extends its appreciation to the volunteers, staff, and community members who helped make the event possible. Their support helped create a welcoming space where families could learn, connect, and celebrate the importance of caring for the world around them.

Community members are also invited to join KCAO for the next Block Party and Resource Fair, which will be held in celebration of Good Neighbor Day on Saturday, May 16th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m at the KCAO Main Office. The event will offer another opportunity for families to connect with local resources, enjoy community activities, and learn more about programs and services available through KCAO and its partners.