SOUTH BEND, Ind. – While Earth Day isn’t until Sunday, folks around South Bend are already planning to team up to make a difference in their environment.

IU South Bend, Southwestern Michigan College, and the City of South Bend will pair on Friday to help rid the St. Joseph River of invasive species and plant trees.

According to organizers, guest speakers will present in the Education and Arts Building at IUSB around 10 a.m. to over 100 SMC students and students from IUSB.

Starting around 1:30 p.m., city officials will join students to plant 20 Eastern White Pine trees at River Crossing, IUSB’s student housing.

Darden Primary Center will also be getting in on some Earth Day action.

The theme for this year is ‘End Plastic Pollution.’

The school says all students will help to create a piece of art using recycled plastic bottle caps.

Even the look of the school will benefit as students will help to plant new plants or paint something to spruce up the front landscape or pond area.

“I think it’s really important for the students to learn about different ways to help save the Earth,” said Halie Taylor, life skills teacher at DPC. 

For the primary pupils, the day will also be used to learn how to care for plants using recyclable materials.

To find out more information on how you can participate in Earth Day, visit the day’s official website here.