For the third consecutive year, Munising is set to host Earth Fest, a weeklong celebration of environmental stewardship, community engagement and sustainability education.
Organized by the Munising School Public Library in partnership with ACRES, Gallery Coffee Company and the Michigan Environmental Council, the festival offers an array of activities, workshops and discussions designed to inform and inspire participants of all ages.
Displays and events
Earth Fest 2025 officially kicks off on April 21 with weeklong displays at the library. Visitors will find an exhibition curated by the Alger County Conservation District, a painting display titled “Meet Your Family” by the YEA culture club and an Ojibwemowin translation of the book “Meet Your Family” by David Bouchard.
Other highlights include a seed library, an Alger-Delta Bicycle Generator & Human Power Shower interactive display and a screening of the BBC documentary “Bang Goes the Theory.”
Earth Day focus
On April 22, in honor of Earth Day, environmental educator Steve Waller will lead a Carbon Capture Forest program from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the library.
This session will educate landowners on how forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change. By understanding the concept of carbon capture and its long-term benefits, attendees will gain insight into how they can contribute to environmental sustainability within their communities.
Exploring energy efficiency The week’s discussions continue with Pumping Heat, scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 23. This presentation by John Forslin delves into the science behind heat pumps — how they work, their surprising real-world applications and the rapid increase in residential adoption. Attendees can expect practical insights, real-life case studies and an opportunity to discuss energy-efficient solutions for home heating and cooling.
At 6 p.m. on April 24, Climate Change Jeopardy returns with Waller as game host. This interactive program presents climate change education in an engaging format. Designed for an adult audience, the game blends competition with learning, making complex environmental topics more accessible and enjoyable.
Community events
Beyond library-hosted events, Earth Fest 2025 features a selection of other community events.
On April 15, the Superior Watershed Partnership will lead an Energy Auditing session at Gallery Coffee Company from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., providing insights on reducing energy consumption. Light refreshments will be provided.
A Solar Array Open House will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on April 26 at the Munising Township building in Wetmore. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about solar power implementation and its benefits.
Additionally, Gallery Coffee Company in Munising will host a series of documentary screenings throughout April, titled “Armchair Trips to View Nature’s Pollinators.” The Tuesday screenings include:
• April 1, 10 a.m.: “The Fascinating World of Insects” (full documentary)
• April 8, 10 a.m.: “The Truth About Bats” (full documentary)
• April 15, 10 a.m.: “NOVA: Bees Tales from the Hive”
• April 22, 10 a.m.: “David Attenborough Presents: Hummingbirds, Jeweled Messengers”
• April 29, 10 a.m.: “Facts About Spiders” (Secret Nature, Natural History Channel)
The vision behind Earth Fest Joan Potter-Sommer, one of the key organizers of Earth Fest, shared her inspiration for bringing the event to Munising: “My inspiration for organizing an Earth Fest comes from the community in Ohio that I lived in for over 30 years. Earth Fest in Oxford, Ohio, is celebrated the Saturday closest to Earth Day, April 22. The community comes together in the Uptown Park and visits booths set up by various … organizations.”
When Potter-Sommer and her husband moved to Onota Township after retirement, she became involved with the Alger County Renewable Energy Solutions group, ACRES, and suggested hosting an Earth Fest in Munising. “From a one-week joint event with the Munising School Public Library in 2023, it has now grown to be a monthlong celebration and appreciation of our Earth,” she said.
Her passion for the outdoors and sustainability fuels her commitment to the event. “I have always been an ‘outdoors’ person, loving nature, animals and just being outside,” she said. “The U.P. is a special place having nature all around us. Even though we live in this paradise, I feel it is important to make sure it is supported by long-standing residents as well as newbies. Earth Fest is a time of sharing information about climate change and ways to promote sustainability and resilience in our communities.”
She also shared a lighthearted anecdote about her commitment to environmental advocacy. “Kind of funny story,” she said. “Today we were checking out of Menard’s in Marquette. There was a gentleman and his partner that were behind us in the line. He noticed that we had several pieces of lumber and asked what we were building. I said, ‘A bat house.’ He in turn said, ‘Ahh, you are one of them.’ ‘How’s that?’ I said. He responded by saying, ‘You are a tree-hugger.’ I laughed and said, ‘I most certainly am!’” As Earth Fest enters its third year in Munising, it continues to evolve, fostering environmental awareness and action within the community. With a mix of hands-on experiences, expert-led discussions and interactive activities, the festival remains a cornerstone event for individuals and families looking to deepen their understanding of sustainability.
Potter-Sommer’s reflections illustrate the community-driven passion that fuels this festival.
“Earth Fest is not just about learning,” she said. “It’s about coming together as a community to ensure that we preserve the beauty of the Upper Peninsula for generations to come.”
