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  • 316 United Newsletter April 4, 2024

316 United Newsletter April 4, 2024

Water Rebates | Free Trees | April Outdoor Events

Author

Randi Thimesch
April 04, 2024

A quick note from Randi…

Welcome new subscribers! For everyone - our Facebook page disappeared last week and it has now been reconstructed. Your “like” and “follow” would be most appreciated. We hope to have a website soon, in the meantime, our past 2024 newsletters can be found here. Information about our upcoming Earth Day United event is below or click here! 

A little bird told me that the Tools and Treasures sale at the Sedgwick County Extension Service beginning Thursday (see below) will have over a 1000 pots. I doubt they have storage for what doesn’t sell, so get out there and buy, buy, buy. It is for a good cause!

We are proud to announce that the City of Wichita will honor Earth Day with a proclamation at their regular Tuesday meeting of April 16th! The first ever Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970, however, 316 United was the first group to ever request the City of Wichita to issue a proclamation for Earth Day! I hope we can continue to showcase environmentalism and celebrate our earth every April forward. All my best, Randi

IT’S BACK - ICT WATER REBATES

It's back!  Our city council members voted yesterday to bring back water rebates. • Rebates will be credited to applicant’s Water Utility account.

Hurry. Only $75,000 is available and it will surely go fast! For any questions about the conservation rebate program email: [email protected] or call 316-268-4470.

ICT TREES ARE GIVING AWAY FREE TREES

Community Tree Planting

ICT Trees Inc., a passionate non-profit organization established last year, is taking bold steps to combat the dwindling tree canopy with a tree give-away.

How to Participate: Residents residing in Zip Codes 67214 and 67208 are encouraged to visit www.arborday.org/icttrees to place an order for a tree of their choice. Arrive between 10am to 1pm at Murdock Park, 1808 E Murdock on Saturday April 6th to pick up your tree.

Educational Opportunity: Join us at 10:30 a.m. for a live demonstration on the proper techniques for planting trees.

Why Trees Matter: Over the years, Wichita has witnessed a concerning trend of more trees being removed than planted, resulting in the depletion of our tree canopy. Our city's hot, dry summers, coupled with high winds and ice storms, pose significant challenges to tree survival. Moreover, in economically disadvantaged areas, the cost of replacing lost trees is often prohibitive.

Addressing Urban Heat Islands: The consequences of dwindling tree cover extend beyond looks. Large slabs of concrete and asphalt in densely populated or commercial areas has led to the emergence of "heat islands," where temperatures soar during summer days and retain heat overnight. This phenomenon not only compromises environmental sustainability but also jeopardizes the health and well-being of humans, animals, and plants.

About ICT Trees: ICT Trees has over 40 volunteers who share a common goal: to nurture, expand, and advocate for a thriving tree canopy across Wichita.

Community partners with ICT Trees Inc. include Evergy, Forestry Division of Park and Rec; 316 United, Arbor Day Foundation, ICT Treehuggers, and Beta Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.

Sat. April 20, 1pm - 4pm Unity of Wichita, 2160 N Oliver, Event by 316 United. Join us for afternoon of engaging activities for all ages to show love of our planet. Participate in hands-on experiences to boost your environmental consciousness. Discover how to champion clean water, tree planting, and sustainability. Unleash your creativity with DIY Solar Installation ideas. Connect with fellow green lifestyle enthusiasts.

Our awesome sponsors: Unity of Wichita's Earthcare Team, Sierra Club- Southwind Group, ICT Trees, Citizens Climate Lobby, Drive Electric ICT, Metal Mija, Fuzzy's Taco Shop, Pro Kansas Recycling Center

Activities provided by: WSU Go Green team, Bike Walk Wichita, Wichita Public Library with the Book Bus, ICT Tree Huggers, Urban Garth, Unity of Wichita, League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro, and more added weekly!

We are looking for more sponsors and vendors. Send us an email to [email protected].

You can find links to register for the event and find our past newsletters at https://linktr.ee/316united

Have you given your feedback for WAMPO’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Plan? The website is open for public comments until April 11, 2024

Tools & Treasures Sale

Thursday, April 4th through Saturday, April 6th, 2024 Event by K-State Research & Extension Sedgwick County, 7001 W 21st St N, Wichita, KS 7am to 5pm Thurs. and Fri.; 7am to 1pm Sat. New and gently used gardening tools, containers/planters, bird feeders/bird houses, and other miscellaneous gardening items will be for sale. Plan to attend and snag some great deals while supporting the Extension Master Gardener Program. Admission is FREE. Don’t wait to attend. The best items go fast.

events.k-state.edu/event/tools_treasures_sale_6587?utm_campaign=widget&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Events

Get Out and Walk Sculpture Stroll

Sat April 6th 11am - 5pm Ulrich Museum of Art WSU, 1845 Fairmount; Wichita, KS Participate in National Take a Walk Outdoors Day and explore the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection. Join us for tips for staying mentally and physically healthy from our partners onsite. We'll have a food truck, s'mores, mindfulness sessions, all ages art activities, and a sculpture scavenger hunt. Check in for this event in the Ulrich Museum lobby when you arrive. This event is free and everyone is welcome

fb.me/e/5qdgSadEB

Climate Strike Wichita

Friday April 12, Noon-1pm Delano Clock Tower 616 W Douglas. We meet every second Friday. Bring signs or borrow one of ours. Please dress for the weather. Hot or cold, we never cancel

fb.me/e/1ob6CC2ue/

General Meeting - "Let's Talk Trash"

Event by Southwind Group, Kansas Sierra Club, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 7202 E 21st St North. Our guest will be the Environmental Resources Director for Sedgwick County, Susan Erlenwein. There is nothing she doesn't know about trash in our city and our county! Come at 6:30 with a dish to share for our potluck then plan to attend Susan's talk at 7:30. Be sure to bring your own table setting so there is no waste

act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000002IRLKAA4&mapLinkHref=https://maps.google.com/maps&daddr=General%20Meeting%20-%20%22Let%27s%20Talk%20Trash%[email protected],-97.252533

Open Streets ICT - WSU & Shocker Neighborhood Sunday April 14 Noon to

Sunday April 14 Noon to 4pm Open Streets ICT - WSU & Shocker Neighborhood. This FREE neighborhood community-building event will take place along 17th Street, just south of Wichita State University and will host a day of physical activity, food trucks, music, and fun! Two miles of 17th Street will be closed to traffic from Oliver to Grove and open for biking, walking, running, food, and more! Cruise along the 2-mile stretch on 17th Street and stop at participating shops, businesses, and food vendors along the route.

www.wichita.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=65

Party for the Planet Thursday, April 18th 9am -2pm Event by Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 N Zoo Blvd.

Thursday, April 18th 9am -2pm Event by Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 N Zoo Blvd. This environmental fair is designed for children in grades 3rd-5th and is a fantastic opportunity to teach them how to protect and care for the world we live in. With hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, kids will have a blast while learning important environmental concepts. This event is open to the public with their general admission to the Sedgwick County Zoo! Editor’s note: Be forewarned - this is a favorite field trip for many of our area schools. Be prepared for a busy day at the Zoo. Wear sunscreen!

fb.me/e/23GsDZiMP

Riverside Pollinator Event Sat. April 20, 10am-noon Event by Riverside Garden 802 Amidon

Kick off your Earth Day celebration at Riverside Garden. You'll find plants and seeds to take home that will provide habitat and nectar for our native pollinators. We'll be planting native pollinators at both the garden and the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit Saturday morning as part of the Bee City Wichita initiative. Thank you to Riverside Citizens Association and Friends of the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit for sponsoring this project.

fb.me/e/1MrygodjF

Earth Day Festival and Starter Plant Sale Sun. April 21, 2024 10am - 4pm Event by Firefly Farm, 5615 E 21st Street North.

See their Facebook page for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/events/3185466931760999/

2024 Ark River Clean-up

Sat. April 27th 9am-Noon 151 N Waco, The Ark River Clean-Up is an event sponsored by Cargill, the Kansas Alliance for Wetlands & Streams, the City of Wichita, and numerous partners. Volunteers at the Clean-Up will receive an event shirt and a free lunch (while supplies last). Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Editor’s note - this is a big event, register early, arrive early.

https://brushfire.com/arkrivercleanup/arkrivercleanup2024/569711

Events happening weekly

Seedings Start and Care

Every Thursday, 9:30am-11:30am. Event by ICT Farms. 9800 W York St. We will be watering, up-potting, and planting. If you need a chair, bring your own. Thomas will need to let you in, so if arrive at a different time, text him at 3163126051

fb.me/e/5aTTJBu5F

Naturally Crafty - Every Tues. 10-Noon; Great Plains Nature Center - 6232 East 29th St N Wichita, KS

Nourish your creative side and pick up a new nature craft every week at Great Plains Nature Center! We’will have a take-home craft ready to go for your children! Mostly for elementary and younger, but all welcome.

gpnc.org

Every Saturday »Kansas Grown! Farmers Market - Event Calendar!

Kansas Grown! farmers markets offer a variety of special events throughout the year, including Kids' Day, Tomato Fest, Stone Soup Day, and many others.

www.kansas-grown.com/event-calendar

RECYCLE - REUSE - RECYCLE

Time to clean out your garage, basement, closets, and shed!

Dispose your electric devices safely and free of charge. Computers** Laptops** Printers** Television sets**Cell phones** Batteries (terminals must be taped)** Tablets** E-readers** VCR/DVR/DVD players**Blu-ray players**Network devices** (ie: routers, hubs, modem**Peripherals components** (i.e. hard drives, keyboards, mice, cables, cords**CD-ROMs,circuit boards, power supplies) Pagers** PDA** Phones** Scanners** Fax-machines** Digital converter boxes**Cable/satellite receivers** Portable music player**Audio-visual equipment

This event is for residents and businesses, excluding businesses that sell or recycle electronic.

Sedgwick County E-Waste Collection April 18-20 and April 25-2

Do you have other items you would like to recycle? Sedgwick County Environmental Services has a webpage which explains what can be recycled and where. It is important to remember that this list often changes, so check back before you make your recycling plan.

You always feel better when you leave the recycling center

DID YOU KNOW…

Pro Kansas Recycling Center sets aside gently-used moving boxes of all sizes for reuse. A nominal cash donation is appreciated to help with the Center’s expenses.

For more information about what Pro Kansas Recycling Center accepts, please refer to this document. The Center is open 3 times a week. Check the website for the hours it is open.

ICT Treehuggers needs your unwanted t-shirts to share with their gardening friends. Button down long sleeved shirts are also welcomed to protect arms from the sun and brambles. Drop off your donation at Lola Candle Company, 1029 W Douglas, Suite 101, Dummy Apparel Company, 2721 E Central, Suite 205, Sunflour Cafe and Collective, 6120 W Central Ave. Deadline: June 1, 2024. For more information call 316.573.8161 or email [email protected]

For more information about ICT Treehuggers and how you can volunteer, check out their Linktr.ee - https://linktr.ee/ictreehuggers

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