By: Claire Tribble
The 2025 Earth Day Expo was a huge success, and we owe a lot of huge thanks to so many! Without the generosity of Athens State University, Limestone County businesses, and some pretty amazing volunteers, we would not be able to host this fabulous event. It takes a lot to find funding, exhibits, and enough volunteers to make it all come together, but it is so rewarding to see the months of planning come together.
First off, I need to thank Athens State University for all the work that they put into this event, especially this year. This year, they had the new president, Dr. Catherine Wehlburg’s inauguration the WEEK of the Earth Day Expo. Everyone worked tirelessly to make everything happen and happen on time. Amy Garrison, Necedah Henderson, Donald Evans (and his entire crew), and Darryl O’Donnell all deserve a month-long vacation. The amount of work they put in just the day before was enough to make anyone go crazy. Not to mention the student ambassadors, Biology Department — the list may be a mile long. We are grateful for the wonderful partnership we have built, and thank you is never enough.
Then we have the amazing financial sponsors. It takes a lot to keep the Earth Day Expo a free event, and we know that it is a huge request when we reach out for sponsorship. We have been lucky to have great support from the community, and I hope that they recognize the financial investment that Limestone County businesses make for them. This year, we were thankful to have the support of Athens State University, Limestone County Water and Sewer Authority, Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, TBAKI, Indorama Ventures, and Bank Independent.
Limestone County Water and Sewer Authority brought us Steve Trash — Rockin’ Eco Hero. This is an amazing show blending magic, music, and education. If you’ve never seen him, check out his show on PBS! Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area sponsored Mr. Bond’s Science Guys and Beth Haney Facepainting, and the kids went crazy for both! We learned about catapults and lasers with Mr. Bond himself. Indorama brought us Tiny Hiney’s Petting Zoo with the KANGAROO! I’m not going to deny it, I was out there several times! Bank Independent sponsored Rise Raptors, a raptor rescue located in Toney. They are a great organization who rescues and rehabilitates injured raptors, and they are amazing presenters.
And then there is TBAKI. When I reached out to them, they suggested the tree seedlings, which I loved. But then I realized they were going to sponsor an exhibit on top of that! When I asked them what they wanted to sponsor, they were unsure. So, I explained my idea of having a student art contest, and they jumped on the idea. “Trees Root Our Community” was born. All students countywide were able to enter artwork of any medium for a chance to win some pretty amazing prizes. There were bicycles, a hoverboard, a 3-D pen, a microscope, a telescope, art sets, and a Polaroid camera. We had so many talented young artists enter, I was glad I didn’t have to judge. And just a little side note, the Athens Middle School entries were all crafted on recyclable materials!
Then there are all the volunteers. Damien Simbeck from TVA started the day off with a guided nature walk through Marbut’s Bend, and it is different and amazing every year! Vendors chose to take the time to come and set up and offer really great products, artwork, and advice. We hope that they know how great they are. Athens State provides us with the student ambassadors to work the gates and provides refreshments and offers historic tree tours! Steelcase and United Way sent us so many volunteers this year, it was truly humbling. And of course, there is the Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Board that continues to go above and beyond and support me and my crazy ideas. Thank you to everyone; you are amazing people, and I am grateful for each and every one of you!
By: Claire Tribble
Executive Director,
Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful
May 16, 2025
