City updates sustainability program, announces month of ‘green’ events

Sioux Falls is going bigger when it comes to going green this month.

In addition to a full slate of environmental-themed activities for all ages, the city is expanding its sustainability grant program. It began in 2016 and wasn’t held last year.

“We’re glad to have it back, and we’ve revamped it a little,” environmental services manager Josh Peterson said.

Friends of the Big Sioux River received a sustainability grant for a water quality education program in 2023.

Previously, the city awarded one $10,000 grant. It now is offering four $5,000 grants in more targeted areas.

“We’re always looking to empower local nonprofits that are coming up with ideas,” Peterson said. “I’m excited to see the entries we receive.”

All grant projects must support the mission of the city’s sustainability program and directly address at least one focus area within the following four categories:

• Single-stream recycling: Support and strengthen single-stream recycling efforts through education, infrastructure or innovation.
• Waste reduction: Promote waste-reduction efforts through education, infrastructure or innovation in the areas of reuse, repair, composting or food-waste reduction.
• Clean water: Protect and restore water resources by safeguarding, improving water quality or promoting water conservation practices.
• Sustainable living: Advance sustainable living by supporting circular economy initiatives, local food systems, community health and resilience, sustainable behaviors, energy conservation and low-carbon transportation.

Submittals are due by April 16 and will be evaluated by a team, with awards given this spring.

“We’ve had good recipients in the past — Friends of the Big Sioux River, Bread Break, SoDak Compost — a lot of those we’ve helped start, and they’ve continued to grow and operate in the community,” Peterson said.

For details on the sustainability grant program, click here.

Additionally, activities will be held citywide this month, from parks and libraries to the Westside Recreation Center.

“There’s a lot going on. That’s one of the things we’ve really tried to celebrate,” Peterson said. “There are so many things going on we want all those events to get the attention they deserve and hopefully get a lot of participation.”

Kids Create: DIY Recycled Books

Wednesday, April 15, from 3:15 to 4 p.m. at Prairie West Branch

Siouxland Libraries will host a program where participants can learn about Earth’s resources and the importance of environmental care. Children will create recycled books and write about what they appreciate about the planet. The program is for children in grades K-5. To register, visit siouxlandlib.org.

Birdhouse Creations

Saturday, April 18, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Westside Recreation Center

Birds are starting to return for the season, and attendees are invited to join a crafting session to build their own birdhouse using provided materials. All supplies will be available on-site. Participants are encouraged to bring creativity and take home their finished birdhouse. The event is open to all ages. Registration is required by today, April 6, to reserve a spot. To register, visit here.

Planet Pops and Jelly Drops

Wednesday, April 22, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Westside Recreation Center

Planet Pops and Jelly Drops is a hands-on program that combines eco-awareness with candy-themed activities. It includes games, crafts and team challenges related to recycling, nature and movement, along with Jelly Bean Day activities such as flavor guessing and sorting games.

Registration is required by April 15. The program is open to all ages. Participants must be passholders or purchase a daily pass to the Westside Recreation Center in addition to registering. To register, visit here.

Branch Out! Earth Day and Arbor Day Festival

Friday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum

The city’s Parks & Recreation Department will host the Branch Out! Earth Day and Arbor Day Festival, an event focused on trees and environmental activities. The festival will include planting opportunities, educational programs and activities for all ages, from craft projects to outdoor exploration. For information, visit here.

Big Sioux River Greenway Cleanup

Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to noon

The Big Sioux River Greenway Cleanup is the largest litter-removal event in Sioux Falls and is supported by volunteers who help remove debris from the Big Sioux River Greenway. Participants collect litter along the river corridor to help protect wildlife, support water quality and maintain parks and trails. Cleanup supplies are available at seven check-in stations located in city parks along the recreation trail. Each year, volunteers remove tons of trash from the greenway.

Participants may check in, sign waivers and receive supplies at one of the following sites: Falls Park, 701 N. Weber Ave.; Beadle Greenway Park, 824 E. 14th St.; Rotary Park, 2408 E. 26th St.; Yankton Trail Park, 3901 S. Minnesota Ave.; Sertoma Park, 4300 S. Oxbow Ave.; Legacy Park, 7001 W. 12th St.; and Elmwood Park, 2804 W. Bailey St. Registration for the Big Sioux River Greenway Cleanup event is encouraged. Register and learn more at siouxfalls.gov/greenway-cleanup.

Party for the Planet

Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sertoma Park

Friends of the Big Sioux River is inviting the community to participate in Party for the Planet, an environmental event held in partnership with the Outdoor Campus. The day will include the Big Sioux River Greenway Cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon, a book hike with Siouxland Libraries, activities from local conservation groups, open-house fishing at the Outdoor Campus and additional cleanup opportunities at the Butterfly House & Aquarium. The event is open to all ages. For information, visit friendsofthebigsiouxriver.org/party-for-the-planet.

Paint and Plant

Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Arrowhead House, Arrowhead Park

Children age 2 to 5 can explore art and nature in the Paint and Plant program. Toddlers will decorate a flowerpot and learn how to plant and care for a seedling. The activity is designed to develop fine motor skills and introduce basic environmental concepts. Each participant will take home a decorated potted plant. Registration is required. The cost is $5 per child. To register, visit here.

Plant and Grow

Saturday, April 25, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Arrowhead House, Arrowhead Park

Children age 6 to 9 can learn how plants grow in a program that highlights the benefits of gardening, including increased responsibility, self-awareness and a greater likelihood of choosing healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables. After an introduction to plant characteristics, participants will decorate a flowerpot and plant their own seedling to take home. Registration is required. The cost is $5 per child. To register, visit here.

Spring Sensory Play: Our Amazing Earth

Siouxland Libraries will host story times and hands-on activities for children age 2 to 5 and their caregivers. The sensory story time introduces children to Earth‑themed stories, movement and tactile activities, along with basic information about caring for the environment. For dates and participating branches, visit siouxlandlib.org.