It’s almost time to celebrate the home we all share.
And there are many ways to have fun with friends and family, learn, live healthier lives and make a positive difference at Clear Lake Earth Days this year.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, all events are free and open to the public.
Recycle Your Outdoor Play Equipment and Toys – Donation boxes now available
Help North Iowa kids enjoy games and toys outdoors (and clean some items out of your garage at the same time 😊). Just drop off your clean, gently used basketballs, yard games, sand toys, soccer balls etc. at the following public locations: Clear Lake Public Library, Clear Lake Athletic and Wellness Center, the Ventura Public Library. Students at the Clear Lake Middle School and Clear Lake High School are also collecting equipment to be available to families at the OutdoorFest on Saturday, April 26, in Clear Lake City Park.
Earth Day Photo Contest – Earth Through the Lens
The public is invited to soon view and vote on the submitted entries at the Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. 4th Street. Monetary prizes will be awarded to winning photographers, based on your votes. And everyone is invited to join the reception on April 25 at the Clear Lake Arts Center.
Landfill of North Iowa Tours and Education on Wednesday April 16
Consider this a time when “trash talk” is important to hear! Discover the innovative ways our landfill contributes to a sustainable region through an educational bus tour, offered at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Call to reserve your spot at 641-357-5452 ext. 5. 15942 Kildeer Ave., Clear Lake.
Book Chats
You’ll gain a new perspective on the natural world while discussing Lab Girl by Hope Jahren. Be sure to join the book chats, which will happen at noon on Tuesday April 15 at the Clear Lake Public Library or Books on Tap at 6 p.m. on Wednesday April 16 at Lake Time Brewery.
5K/10K and Youth Mile Races: Saturday, April 19 at City Park in Clear Lake
Let’s get moving with North Iowa’s popular spring race!
Kick off the 2025 racing season with Clear Lake’s Earth Day Youth Mile, 5K & 10K races on Saturday, April 19th. The Youth Mile will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K & 10K races will begin at 9 a.m. Youth Mile participants will make 3 loops around City Park, finishing by the seawall.
The 5K & 10K races begin lakeside at the Main Avenue boat ramp. Runners will make one loop around City Park before heading out along South Shore Drive. Once runners reach the designated 5K or 10K turnaround, they’ll head back toward City Park, turning left at Main Avenue to finish in front of the Lady of the Lake.
For more info, Clear Lake Earth Day Youth Mile, 5K & 10K Races
Trash Bash Community Cleanup
Make a visible difference in the community by picking up trash in your neighborhood, near main-traveled entryways to the city and public spaces from April 21-26. Individuals, families, and groups can register for the areas your team would like to choose at https://earthdayclearlake.org/events/trashbash/#Register. And vie to win the treasured “Green Jacket” by collecting the most trash and recruiting the most volunteers. Garbage bags are available at the Clear Lake Chamber and at City Park at the OutdoorFest on April 26.
International Earth Day:
Celebrate the 55th anniversary of Earth Day with an estimated over 1 billion people who care for the place we all call home. Learn how each of us can make a positive difference for today’s and our future generations. Earth Day 2025 | Activities & Resources for April 22 – Earth Day
For the Lake’s Sake 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23
Learn firsthand from experts about North Iowa’s most important natural resource. Topics will include discussion about how to manage curly leaf pondweed; ongoing research regarding zebra mussels; the impact of Eurasian Watermilfoil in Clear Lake and the treatment plan to mitigate it. Bring your family and friends to the Clear Lake Public Library to learn more learn more.
North Iowa Green Expo and Farmers Market
This free public event is a perennial favorite! It’s all about your and North Iowa’s wellness, saving your green $, connecting with others, healthy food to purchase and some food samples. For more information, to North Iowa Green Expo and Farmer’s Market 2025 | Earth Day Clear Lake. 4-7 p.m. Thursday April 24 at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake
Night Wonder Walk:
What goes on in our natural world after the sun goes down? Join local naturalist Cindy Findley for a short hike on Friday, April 25 at 8:00 pm. at 2902 235th St., south of Ventura. We will reconnect with the sights, sounds, and smells of evening 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 on uneven terrain. Bring a small flashlight (one with red light is best!) and an adventurous spirit. The event will be held rain or shine (under cover if raining).
OutdoorFest
Games, a bounce house, disc golf lesson, crafts activities, food truck to fill your tummies, gaga ball, Gaga ball, Go Wild parade and a shredding truck from 10 a.m. to noon to shred those important documents you no longer need. And more!!! Open to everyone to get outside and play and make fun memories with your family and friends. Be sure to check out the gently recycled outdoor equipment and toys that can be taken home and enjoyed by your family.
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26 City Park
Return of the Trumpeters:
A Special Showing at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 28 @ the Clear Lake Public Library
The majestic trumpeter swan is North America’s largest waterfowl, one hunted to the brink of extinction. Here is a chance to experience one of the greatest conservation success stories of our time. (60 minutes run time) A Q & A session featuring Clear Lake’s Own Ron Andrews will follow. He helped restore trumpeter swans to Iowa in one of the greatest conservation success stories of our time. Ron recently was named to The Iowa Wildlife Society’s Conservation Hall of Fame.
Major sponsors for Clear Lake Earth Days events include: the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Clear Lake Bank and Trust, Curries/Assa Abloy, Hanson Family Foundation, CL Tel, Kingland and McKesson.