(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Riverkeeper)

Rock the Green hosted its 6th Annual Earth Day Celebration presented by Milwaukee Riverkeeper on Saturday, April 22, in Estabrook Park.

The Earth Day celebration took place following the Milwaukee Riverkeeper’s river cleanup where nearly 4,000 volunteers joined together across the Milwaukee River Basin to pick up trash, work outdoors and help achieve swimmable and fishable rivers. With over 1,000 in attendance, the event featured a free concert by Trapper Schoepp on a pedal-powered stage, local and sustainable food vendors, eco-education exhibitors and other zero waste highlights.

“This year’s Earth Day river cleanup brought residents together to help protect our water resources,” Mayor Tom Barrett said. “The Rock the Green celebration strengthens our vision of making Milwaukee a world-class eco-city.”

Earth Day speakers included Erick Shambarger, director of environmental sustainability for the city of Milwaukee; Jennifer Bolger Breceda, executive director of Milwaukee Riverkeeper; John Dargle, director of Milwaukee County Parks; and Lindsay Stevens Gardner, founder of Rock the Green and Paul Zovic, Shorewood Village Trustee.

“This Earth Day event merged action and education about the importance of preserving our environment,” said Bolger Breceda. “It will further inspire and empower all members of the community to maintain our waterways year round.”

(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Riverkeeper)