More than 120 students and their teachers filled the City Hall chambers Thursday morning to kick off an immersive and educational Arbor/Earth/Government Day hosted by the City of Independence.
The event, which began at 9 a.m., offered a full day of engaging activities aimed at teaching students about local government, environmental conservation, and the importance of pollinators. It was part of a broader initiative to inspire civic engagement and environmental stewardship in young citizens.
After a trivia session testing knowledge on local government and pollinators, Mayor Gregory Kurtz welcomed students to Council Chambers and discussed his role, how laws are made, and introduced city officials. Select students even took part in a mock council meeting, bringing the legislative process to life.
The morning also included a ceremonial tree planting near City Hall, with thanks extended to the Garden Club for donating a Black Gum Tree. Students were thrilled to meet Jungle Bob, who captivated them with animals and insects that depend on trees, and Mark Wygonski, a local beekeeper who explained the essential role bees play in our ecosystem.
Hands-on experiences followed, including making a sample of nectar, viewing insects and bugs, and taking part in the butterfly release.
Following lunch at the Kiwanis Pavilion, students rotated through a variety of Vehicle Fair stations, exploring service vehicles, police cruisers, fire trucks, SWAT units, and more—offering an up-close look at the equipment used to maintain and protect the city.
The afternoon wrapped up with sweet treats from the Park Concession Stand and a K-9 dog demonstration.
Each student took home a cooler bag filled with goodies including a hummingbird feeder, nectar sample, honey, and other items from city departments.
The event was a powerful example of combining civic education with hands-on environmental learning—and a fun, memorable day for all involved.
