Books on Tap meets at Lake Time Brewery on April 15 at 6:00 p.m. Book Chat meets in the Library Meeting Room at 12:00 p.m. on April 21.

Endangered Eating by Sarah Lohman: American food traditions are in danger of being lost. How do we save them?

Apples, a common New England crop, have been called the United States' "most endangered food." The iconic Texas Longhorn cattle is categorized at "critical" risk for extinction. Unique date palms, found nowhere else on the planet, grow in California’s Coachella Valley―but the family farms that caretake them are shutting down. Apples, cattle, dates―these are foods that carry significant cultural weight. But they’re disappearing.

In Endangered Eating, culinary historian Sarah Lohman draws inspiration from the Ark of Taste, a list compiled by Slow Food International that catalogues important regional foods. Lohman travels the country learning about the distinct ingredients at risk of being lost. Readers follow Lohman to Hawaii, as she walks alongside farmers to learn the stories behind heirloom sugarcane. In the Navajo Nation, she assists in the traditional butchering of a Navajo Churro ram. Lohman heads to the Upper Midwest, to harvest wild rice; to the Pacific Northwest, to spend a day wild salmon reefnet fishing; to the Gulf Coast, to devour gumbo made thick and green with filé powder; and to the Lowcountry of South Carolina, to taste America’s oldest peanut―long thought to be extinct. Lohman learns from those who love these rare ingredients: shepherds, fishers, and farmers; scientists, historians, and activists. And she tries her hand at raising these crops and preparing these dishes. Each chapter includes two recipes, so readers can be a part of saving these ingredients by purchasing and preparing them.

Animated by stories yet grounded in historical research, Endangered Eating gives readers the tools to support community food organizations and producers that work to preserve local culinary traditions and rare, cherished foods―before it’s too late.

👟 Earth Day Youth Mile - Saturday, April 18, 8:30 a.m.

Open to kids of all ages, the Youth Mile is a great opportunity for kids to enjoy some fresh air and exercise in a fun and supportive atmosphere.

👟 Earth Day 5K & 10K - Saturday, April 18, 9:00 a.m.

Kickstart your day with a scenic run along the beautiful shores of Clear Lake. Starting at the Main Avenue boat ramp, you'll experience a picturesque loop around City Park and along South Shore Drive. With different age categories and prizes for top runners, it's a race you wouldn't want to miss! 🏆

📌 Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/ClearLake/EarthDay5k10k

Saturday, April 18 from 10am – 1pm

Get outside and celebrate OutdoorFest, part of Clear Lake Earth Day! This free, family-friendly event is packed with activities to get everyone moving and enjoying the great outdoors.

Activities Include:

• Outdoor Play Toys Community Share (10 AM – 12 PM, Lakeview Room)
• Bounce House & Human Foosball
• Gaga Ball & Strider Bike Course Family Games (Giant JENGA, Connect 4, Tug of War, Croquet, Corn Hole & more!)
• Obstacle Course, Fun Run & Go Wild Parade

Bring your family, friends, and your sense of adventure! See you at OutdoorFest!

Campfire S’mores, Stars, and Stories – Saturday, April 18 at 7:30pm Location: Sister’s Prairie 2854 235th Street

In a fun, family- themed Earth Week kick-off, the public is invited to join local naturalist Cindy Findley on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. for “Campfire S’mores, Stars, and Stories”. We will enjoy the evening sunset and await the appearance of stars, while toasting marshmallows, making S’mores, and hearing a couple of Native American stories about Mother Earth. At dark, a brief walk to stargaze will wrap up the evening.

This event will be held rain or shine at Sister’s Prairie, at 2854 235th St., south and east of Ventura. (Look for signs). The event is free, but pre-registration is encouraged. Everyone is invited, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should wear appropriate outdoor clothing and bring a small flashlight. There will be hay bales to sit on, or bring your own chair.

Come join us under the stars to celebrate Earth Week!

The Trash Bash community clean up is an annual Earth Day event happening from April 18-24. Sign up here: https://earthdayclearlake.org/events/trash-bash/#Register

This event offers an opportunity for Clear Lakers to make a difference in their community and show their commitment to sustainability by picking up trash in their neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. Individuals, families, and groups can register for their favorite cleanup site(s) and compete for the coveted “Green Jacket” by collecting the most trash and recruiting the most volunteers.

The Trash Bash is an important way to promote environmental stewardship and community involvement in Clear Lake, and is a great way to make a tangible impact on the health and beauty of our town.

Children’s musician Will Bjorndal performs original songs for young people of all ages in Will Sings Songs! Driven by audience participation, Will’s songs are guaranteed to get kids moving, grooving, laughing, and singing. A naturalist by trade, many of Will’s tunes are environmentally themed, but many are just plain fun! This high energy performance focuses on positivity, joy, and learning through curiosity.

The program is funded in part by the Clear Lake Earth Day Committee.

April 23, 2026 from 4-7 PM at the Surf Ballroom and Museum 460 N Shore Dr, Clear Lake

Join us for an Indoor Farmers Market featuring your favorite vendors from our weekly Farmers Market!

This free, public event is all about supporting North Iowa’s wellness, saving money, connecting with the community, and helping the planet. Shop a variety of local food producers selling fresh and handmade goods, plus vendors offering products and services related to outdoor adventuring, solar energy, smart homes, conservation, wellness, and sustainability. Enjoy food samples and a cash bar while exploring eco-friendly solutions for your home and lifestyle!

The Shape of Nature Earth Day All Media Show invites artists to explore the forms, patterns, and presence of the natural world. Works should reflect Iowa’s landscapes, ecosystems, wildlife, or environmental themes. Artists are encouraged to consider sustainable practices and environmentally conscious materials when possible.

The Clear Lake Arts Center will host an artist reception and awards presentation on April 22, 2026, from 5 PM – 6:30 PM. Voting ends at 5:30PM. Awards will be announced at 6:00 PM. Artist attendance is strongly encouraged in the event of possible award acceptance.

Earth Month Spring Cleaning: Secondhand Art Market April 11–25, 2026

Join the Clear Lake Arts Center for Art Month Spring Cleaning: Secondhand Art Market, a fundraiser for the Arts Center and a chance for you to de-clutter or re-clutter your surroundings while helping support our mission. Proceeds from the sale will go toward the Arts Center’s continual success.