Shelby Farms gets ‘Down to Earth’ to support, celebrate park and the environment
Chloe Russell got out of bed Saturday morning with the environment on her mind as she prepared to volunteer at the Down to Earth festival at Shelby Farms Park.
“I (volunteer) every year,” said Russell, 18. “It’s a very cool thing. Half of Memphis is out here, it seems, and it’s a great way to celebrate Earth Day.”
Down to Earth, presented by FedEx, is one of the biggest fundraisers for Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, according to park communications coordinator Rebecca Dailey. It costs $2 million a year to sustain the park and the Shelby Farms Greenline, she said.
“This is about really recognizing that Memphis has the ability to become a leader in stainability,” she said. “This park is a place where all those great green minds can come together.”
The Earth Day events, which will continue next Sunday with the Down to Earth 5K, included guided hikes, a parkmembers-only area, an eco egg hunt, music and food.
There were also games and activi- ties for kids, such as a fishing rodeo and archery, which Russell helped with before sitting on the uncovered grass in the stage area with her friend Sonnia Bustamante.
“I love being outside,” said Bustamante, 18. “I decided to just come out and listen to the music after she got done (volunteering).”
Russell added, “We feel at one with nature because everyone is here for the same reason.”
Debbie Poole of Collierville was driving west on Walnut Grove when she saw the droves of people gathered in the park and decided to pull over.
“I had no idea any of this was going on,” she said.
Once she realized what was happening, she got excited.
“I enjoyed the (Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division) tent,” she said, as she prepared to circle back to the tent to get a free light bulb. “They’re teaching people how to save money on their bills.”
Poole said celebrating Earth Day is a great way to help people learn about how they can help the environment.
Dailey said education is a major factor in why the conservancy geared so many activities toward children.
“Kids are really the game-changer,” she said. “When it comes to going green, it’s fun to see them take ownership of the environment and we try to give them as many chances as possible to do that.”