Hosted by Iowa City Recreation, the Earth Expo invites the community to explore sustainability, connect with local organizations, and take part in hands-on activities on Saturday, April 11, from 1-4 p.m. at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center in Iowa City.

Every yard, garden, and green space can make a difference. By supporting pollinators, including butterflies, and planting native species, individuals can help create a healthier, more sustainable environment.

Johnson County Master Gardeners and Johnson County Soil Health will staff a table featuring hands-on activities and information about pollinators, butterflies, and native plants. Visitors can make seed balls and learn simple ways to incorporate native vegetation into their own landscapes.

Shifting to perennial native plants and grasses, grounded in natural ecology, supports pollinators and butterflies while reimagining what modern gardens can be. In fact, most insects rely on plants they share an evolutionary history with, meaning many cannot find the nutrition they need from non-native annuals. Choosing native plants helps restore these essential relationships. 

These practices regenerate soil, increase biodiversity, improve water quality, and strengthen ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.

Earth Expo is a free, community-focused event highlighting local environmental organizations,

offering interactive, hands-on activities and information on tackling climate change. The activity is a collaboration with Climate Action Outreach and Green Iowa AmeriCorps.

For more information, visit the City of Iowa City events listings on Facebook.