Green Bay Prepares for the Fourth Annual Make a Difference Day

GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Conservation Corps is preparing for its fourth annual Make A Difference Day, with this year’s event being held at John Muir park on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Make a Difference Day is a national celebration based around community service, falling on the fourth Saturday of every October. Past events centered around removing invasive species at Red Smith Park and re-establishing nature trails.

Green Bay’s Conservation Corps Coordinator Maria Otto hopes people gather a greater awareness of invasive species from participating in these events.

“People don’t realize how aggressive it can be”, she said. “Being able to see a quick before and after on the same day, many volunteers come back”.

It’s that increased public awareness that drives people to act.

This year’s event aims to accomplish more than removing invasive species, Otto highlighted how they’re not only removing buckthorn but also creating biochar, the process of burning wood to create charcoal, adding nutrients to the soil in return.

Otto mentioned how biochar is a prime example of the 3 R’s: Reducing, Reusing and Recycling.

Not only are they removing invasive species, but they’re reusing these materials to restore local wildlife around us. This year’s Make a Difference Day will feature a biochar demonstration alongside its community service.

Otto also shared gratitude for the kindness of the local community, stating how crucial that support is to the success of these events.

“This year we have La Java donating coffee and Green Bay’s The Apple Store donating cider”, Otto said.

With the backing of the local community, Green Bay’s Make a Difference Day does more than just clean buckthorn — it exemplifies the lasting environmental impact one has through hands-on service work.

Those who are interested can RSVP online through Facebook with this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1123598529399747 .

For those who don’t have social media, all are welcome to join the Green Bay Conservation Corps at John Muir Park on Saturday Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon.