Earth Day

Earth Day Clear Lake: Celebrate, Explore, Take Action!

“Earth Through the Lens” Photography Exhibit

April 8- May 3, 2025 at the Clear Lake Arts Center
Photographers, both novice and professional of all ages, are invited to submit up to three framed nature shots into the the Clear Lake Earth Day Photography Exhibit, “Earth Through the Lens” by April 8. The public is invited to stop by the Clear Lake Arts Center to enjoy the work of our talented local photographers during regular business hours. There will be a special artist’s reception on April 25th from 4-7pm. The Clear Lake Arts Center is open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.

Lab Girl by Hope Jahren Book Chat & Books on Tap

Book Chat: Tuesday, April 15 at 12 p.m. at the Clear Lake Public Library
Books on Tap: Wednesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at Laketime Brewery
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren: In these pages, Hope takes us back to her Minnesota childhood, where she spent hours in unfettered play in her father’s college laboratory. She tells us how she found a sanctuary in science, learning to perform lab work “with both the heart and the hands.” She introduces us to Bill, her brilliant, eccentric lab manager. And she extends the mantle of scientist to each one of her readers, inviting us to join her in observing and protecting our environment. Warm, luminous, compulsively readable, Lab Girl vividly demonstrates the mountains that we can move when love and work come together.

Landfill of North Iowa Educational Bus Tours

Wednesday, April 16 at 10 a.m and 1:30 p.m. at the Landfill of North Iowa
Have you ever wanted to tour the Landfill of North Iowa, but haven’t had an opportunity? Now, is your chance! The educational program and tour will take around 1 1/2 hours. Call to reserve your spot, space is limited to 18 per time slot. 641-357-5452 ext. 5.

Earth Day 5K & 10K Races & Youth Mile

Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. & 9 a.m. at Clear Lake City Park
The Earth Day 5K and 10K races are an exciting part of the Clear Lake Earth Day festivities, taking place at 9:00 a.m. The race begins lakeside at the Main Avenue boat ramp and takes runners on a loop around City Park before heading out along South Shore Drive. The 5K turnaround is located at the Y intersection at 20th Ave South and the 10K turnaround is near Lakeside Cyclery. The race finishes in front of the Lady of the Lake, where prizes will be awarded for each race. The Earth Day 5K and 10K races are a great way to enjoy some exercise and celebrate sustainability and environmental awareness in Clear Lake. Click here to register. Join us as a volunteer for the Earth Day Race!  Click here to volunteer. 
The Earth Day Youth Mile is aimed at promoting outdoor activity and environmental awareness for young people. This race takes place at 8:30 a.m., right before the Earth Day 5K & 10K races, and is open to kids of all ages. Every finisher will receive a cool wooden medal & coloring tote, making it a fun and rewarding way for kids to get involved and make a difference. The Earth Day Youth Mile is a great opportunity for kids to enjoy some fresh air, exercise, and environmental education in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Click here to register.

Trash Bash Community Cleanup

The week of April 21-26, 2025 throughout Clear Lake
The Trash Bash Community Cleanup is an annual Earth Day event happening all week long from April 21-26. This event offers an opportunity for Clear Lakers to make a difference in their community and show their commitment to sustainability by picking up trash in their neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. Individuals, families, and groups can register for their favorite cleanup site(s) and compete for the coveted “Green Jacket” by collecting the most trash and recruiting the most volunteers. The Trash Bash is an important way to promote environmental stewardship and community involvement in Clear Lake, and is a great way to make a tangible impact on the health and beauty of our town. Click here to sign up to participate in the Trash Bash!

For the Lake’s Sake

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Clear Lake Public Library
‘For the Lake’s Sake’ is a panel discussion featuring speakers from Iowa DNR aimed to educate residents and lake users on aquatic invasive species effecting Clear Lake. This presentation offers information on Zebra Mussels, Curly-leaf Pondweed, and Eurasian Watermilfoil.  Part of the discussion will focus on different ways shoreline owners can remove and dispose of curly-leaf pondweed from their property.  Current research being conducted on Zebra mussels in Clear Lake and surrounding Iowa lakes will be discussed.  Lastly, the speakers will identify Eurasian Watermilfoil’s harmful impacts to North Iowa lakes, DNR’s plans and benefits for treating EWM in Clear Lake, and ways anyone can help stop the transport and spread.  This event is free and open to the public, and a great way to learn about and promote water quality in Clear Lake!

North Iowa Green Expo & Indoor Farmers Market

Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at the Surf Ballroom & Museum
The North Iowa Green Expo & Indoor Farmers Market is one of the main events of Clear Lake Earth Day, providing a platform for local businesses, non-profits, and organizations to showcase their green products and services alongside our Indoor Farmers Market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, honey, and more. Held on April 24 at the historic Surf Ballroom, the North Iowa Green Expo & Indoor Farmers Market, in partnership with Healthy Harvest of North Iowa & the Clear Lake Farmers Market, offers an opportunity to learn about sustainable practices, energy efficiency ideas, gardening tips, and more. Visitors can sample fresh local food, browse eco-friendly products, and talk to experts about environmental issues, and purchase from their favorite Clear Lake Farmers Market Vendors. The North Iowa Green Expo & Market is free and open to the public, and is a great way to kick off a week of celebrating sustainability and community involvement in Clear Lake. Sign up as a Green Expo exhibitor or vendor!

Night Wonder Walk

Friday, April 25, 2025 at 8 p.m. at Sisters Prairie Trail, 2902 235th St. (south of Ventura)
Have you ever wondered what goes on in our natural world after the sun goes down? Celebrate Earth Day Clear Lake by joining local naturalist Cindy Findley for a 45 minute Night Wonder Walk on Thursday, April 20 at 8:00 pm. We will re-connect with the sights, sounds, and smells of evening as we take a short hike and learn about nocturnal animals, stargazing, light pollution, and other nighttime wonders. Everyone is welcome to this fun event, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Please be prepared for a short walk, bring a small flashlight (red head lamps are ideal), and an adventurous spirit. “Let’s go on a Night Hike!” The event will be held rain or shine (under cover if raining). Pre-registration is requested but not required.

OutdoorFest

Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Clear Lake City Park
OutdoorFest offers a variety of family-fun activities and educational opportunities aimed at promoting outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend a day outdoors with family and friends while learning about sustainability and enjoying the beauty of Clear Lake.

Enjoy these activities during OutdoorFest:

• Outdoor Play Toys Community Share (Lakeview Room until 12 p.m.)
• Bounce House
• Human Foosball
• Gaga Ball
• Strider Bike Course
• Family Games (Connect 4, giant JENGA, croquet, potato sack race, tug of war, corn hole, obstacle course, fun run, Go Wild Parade)
• Disc Golf
• Shredding Truck

Return of the Trumpeters

Monday, April 28, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at Clear Lake Public Library
The majestic trumpeter swan, North America’s largest waterfowl, was once hunted to the brink of extinction. Thanks to the remarkable efforts of a new generation, this iconic species is making a comeback. Experience one of the greatest conservation success stories of our time. (run time: 60 minutes)
Following the showing of the movie, Ron Andrews will be available for a question and answer session. Ron is a former Iowa DNR Biologist who worked to help restore trumpeter swans to Iowa, is featured in the movie, and recently was awarded the Iowa TWS (The Wildlife Society) Conservation Hall of Fame designation for 2025.