Earth Day is Friday, April 22!
We’re celebrating with our members to appreciate and protect the resources that help our communities and businesses thrive every day. We partnered with John Ball Zoo to celebrate this national holiday and help our community stay engaged with the beautiful world around them.
John Ball Zoo is committed to making a difference not just in West Michigan, but also across the world. Over 50% of their conservation efforts are focused on West Michigan and the Great Lakes. The rest of their conservation efforts, just like the animals that call the zoo home, span the globe.
Conservation at Home
The zoo’s local efforts take on all shapes and sizes. Working with GVSU, the Zoo is giving eastern box turtles a head start so the turtle’s struggling population has time to grow before being released to the wild.
They’re also sponsoring the Westside Community Cleanup to help make sure the neighborhood that the Zoo calls home is clean for residents and visitors. Right at the Zoo’s entrance, you can see their Washed Ashore exhibit. This collection of sculptures was made from plastics found in both the Great Lakes and oceans.
One of their biggest successes is working to revive the population of Poweshiek skipperling butterflies, whose population is on the brink of extinction. These butterflies used to call much of the central United States and Canada home, but their population is now dangerously close to extinction. The John Ball Zoo staff is working to help bring this butterfly back from the brink of extinction.
Conservation Abroad
John Ball Zoo is also committed to helping conserve animals from across the world. With everything from pandas to penguins, John Ball Zoo has their hands in conservation efforts taking place near and far. They’re supporting the Red Panda Network and their efforts to make more habitats for Red Pandas. They’re also in the process of building a pygmy hippo exhibit right in their zoo to provide a home for them right here in West Michigan.
There’s much more conservation work to see at the John Ball Zoo. They’re already open for the season and you can see their hours and admission prices on their website.
Do Your Part
If you’re looking for a way to make an impact on Earth Day, checkout the Westside Community Cleanup! Help John Ball Zoo and the West Grand Neighborhood keep our city looking great! Learn more on their website.
