This Earth Day, explore the history, wildlife, and revitalization efforts centered around the Wabash River with Emily’s Walk of the Wabashki’s Earth Day Speaker Session.

This year, Mary Kramer, former director of Art Spaces, will discuss professional artists' roles in Turn to the River, a multi-year project focused on re-connecting downtown Terre Haute with the river through public art and design. As part of Turn to the River, artists work to build awareness about the significance of the Wabash River, mitigate environmental challenges, and educate others on the care needed to preserve this waterway.

Brenden Kearns, the Director of Vigo County Soil and Water Conservation District, will share his experiences as a wildlife photographer who has focused much of his passion on the diverse plant and animal life on the Wabash River and Wabashiki Wetlands. Kearns will discuss the variety of rare and endangered species that call this area home and explain how to enjoy the rich opportunities this environment presents while navigating the Wabash River safely.

Vigo County Parks Department Superintendent Adam Grossman will provide brief updates on two projects meant to further public engagement in the Wabashiki Wetlands. The first project, in cooperation with Duke Energy, is in the process of repurposing a defunct transmission tower at Dewey Point into an overlook observation deck. The second honors Max Miller, a Parks Department board member who was responsible for the acquisition of property for Wabashiki, with the Max Miller Mile. Weather permitting, Grossman will lead a walk to the site after the presentation.

Emily's Walk's Earth Day Speaker Session is sponsored by Wabash Riverscape, Vigo County Public Library, Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, Wabash Valley Audubon Society, TREES Inc., and the Ouabache Land Conservancy. The Speaker Session will be held on Friday, April 21, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Vigo County School Corporation Administration Building, 501 West Olive Street in West Terre Haute. No RSVP is required for this free program.