HPHS Environmental Improvement Club

08/30/2026

It’s still early stages, but we have an exciting announcement!

We’ve been awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to buy a truck and trailer to start a curbside yard-waste pickup service. So many leaves and branches end up going to the landfill because people don’t have a good way to compost them. Let’s change that!

We’ll be recruiting volunteers to help collect yard waste and take it to Garick Yard Waste Processing Facility, where it will be turned into mulch and compost. The program won't be in full swing until spring, but we’re planning to pilot it this fall so we can keep some of those nutrient-rich leaves and limbs out of the landfill. 🍂

If you think this is exciting and might want to participate—either to volunteer or have your own yard waste picked up—take a moment to fill out our survey! (The link is in the comments.) It doesn't commit you to anything but will help us plan the program.

About 30-40% of material that goes to the landfill is actually compostable…but with the right systems in place, it doesn’t have to be that way! We are so excited to strengthen those systems and grateful to KDHE for the opportunity to Keep It Clean Kansas! ♻️🌻

07/03/2026

Very cool activity, we will be adding some of these to our monarch waystation soon.

05/16/2026

Composting isn't just worms. 🪱 There are many methods to compost and most of them don't involve squirmy creatures. Composting has many benefits for your garden, soil, the planet and even your wallet!

Learn how: https://bit.ly/3R2KpmG

05/16/2026

05/08/2026

🌎May 9, 2026 is World Migratory Bird Day.

🪿🦤Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter🦆🦅

🌍 World Migratory Bird Day is a good reminder that the health of animals, people and our environment are all connected.

👀Monitoring migratory birds helps us better understand and protect the health of all.

🔗Follow these links for:
More information - https://bit.ly/3P39zkp
To find events in your area - https://bit.ly/3P39zAV

04/10/2026

We will have over 60 species of Kansas native plants at our spring plant sale in Lawrence! See you at Trinity Episcopal from 10AM - 1PM on Saturday, May 16. More info at www.grasslandheritage.org/plantsale.

03/17/2026

Although it is a bit of a drive, this is a great opportunity.

🌳 Replace Your Callery Pear with a Native Tree!

If you remove a Callery pear from your property, you can receive a free native replacement tree at one of our May 2026 buyback events. This program applies to Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) and its common cultivars, including ‘Bradford,’ ‘Cleveland Select,’ and ‘Aristocrat.’

⚠️ Important:
Before signing up, please read all event details carefully on the event page. Registration will open later this spring.

Here’s how it works:
✔ Remove your Callery pear (trees removed in 2025 or 2026 qualify)
✔ Provide proof of removal (photos of the tree before and the stump after, or an arborist invoice)
✔ Sign up for a free native replacement tree

🌱 Native species available include:
• Bur Oak
• Kentucky Coffeetree
• Eastern Redbud
• Serviceberry
• Sargent Crabapple

Please note:
This program does not pay for tree removals.
Work with a KAA or ISA-certified arborist if you need professional removal.
One replacement tree per household, and species are first-come, first-served.

We encourage landowners to remove Callery pear as soon as possible to help stop the spread of this invasive tree!

📬 Want to be the first to know when registration opens?
Visit the EVENT webpage and sign up for the Kansas Canopy newsletter (under the sign up tab): https://buff.ly/1k8qpwa

Evergy I Forrest Keeling Nursery I K-State Extension - Sedgwick County I Riley County K-State Extension I K-State Extension, Midway District

03/12/2026

ATTENTION ALL ARTISTS & AUTHORS 🎨✍️

The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center's Education Department has is now accepting submissions for its annual art and writing contests! The topic/theme is conservation - art or writing pieces can bring awareness to any conservation subject of the participants choice. Examples include highlighting an endangered species, encouraging recycling/sustainability, or Ocean and waterway awareness. Every participant receives FREE ADMISSION to Party for the Planet: An Earth Day Celebration, happening on April 18.

🌍 Age Categories Include:
- K - 2nd Grade
- 3rd - 5th Grade
- 6th - 8th Grade
- 9th - 12th Grade
- Adult

⭐Submissions MUST include Participant Name, Age Category, School (if applicable), and phone number to contact. ⭐

Each age category will have a writing contest and an art contest; one winner will be selected for each contest per age category. Submissions can be brought to the Zoo Gift Shop or turned in directly to the Education Department. Full contest details and requirements: https://topekazoo.org/education/competition/

03/04/2026

Saturday, April 11th, 2026 10 AM - 12 PM Event Address: CITY AND COUNTY WIDE CLEAN-UP KAB is looking for individuals or teams who would like to participate in this community wide clean-up event. Please fill out the form below and we will be in contact with more information about this Event and the V...

03/04/2026

Spring is near, but please have patience with yard cleanup, because insects still need to sleep a while.
I made this sign to show neighbors how important this is.