Jennifer Senchak, certified arborist with Community Tree Resources, left, shows a bee balm plant in July 2023 at Ritts Park. Butler Eagle File Photo

Who doesn’t love a festival? And when you can take something as labor intensive as a stream bank stabilization upkeep project and turn it into a good time, that is something to admire.

A report by staff writer Eddie Trizzino in Thursday’s Eagle told us of a collective of environmentalists who continued upkeep on the land at Ritts Park last year following the city’s stream bank stabilization project that helped rehabilitate Sullivan Run at the park.

Well, that same group is not only continuing that work this spring, but also making the environmental maintenance into a festival, of sorts.

Community Tree Resources’ first Sustainable Landcare Festival is scheduled for Saturday. Attendees can help clear invasive species at Ritts Park and learn about how they can take care of their own outdoor spaces.

And do yoga. And enjoy a food truck. And create natural art projects.

Jennifer Senchak, certified arborist with Community Tree Resources, said environmental professionals will lead a tour of the different ecosystems of the park and show off the success of the group’s projects in maintaining the meadow. There will be land care demonstrations throughout the day, Senchak said.

Did we mention there will be at least one food truck at the park?

Senchak felt incorporating some fun activities into the day might help bring members of the public together with experts in related fields.

“We just want as many scientists and professionals to engage with the public as possible,” Senchak said. “The one-on-one conversations are always better for people.”

Sure it’s not all glitz and glamour and clowns, but it’s an excellent start to bringing the public out to understand what the group is doing and why. And maybe get some more help along the way.

It’s the best time to remove “invasive species,” Senchak said. Plus, “We are doing yoga and grounding meditation, some natural art projects of course. Local advisers with Butler Conservation District and DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) will be there,” she said.

Since the stream bank stabilization project, Community Tree Resources has weeded out Japanese knotweed, an invasive plant species, at Ritts Park during each sustainable land care day. Senchak said the events teach attendees how to identify plant species and also how to connect with nature through grounding exercises.

Keeping up with parks and the invasive species that affect them is tough work, but we’re happy to see that, while it’s a serious need, this group sees an opportunity to do necessary work while having a good time.

The Sustainable Landcare Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Ritts Park off North McKean Street.

— RJ