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Earth Stewardship Day

The Illinois EPA, Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources began Earth Stewardship Day (ESD) in 1991 to provide an Earth Day related event for Sangamon County 4th grade students in order to expose them to the interdependence of humans and natural resources at an impressionable age. Since then, ESD has grown into a very popular, fun event for nearly 1,000 students each year who learn about the importance of sustainability and natural resource management in a stimulating environment.

ESD is generally held during the first week of May from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. The students rotate through five to seven 20-minute interactive sessions (some featured presenters require 50-minute sessions). Presenters from a wide range of agencies and organizations participate with hands-on activities addressing the importance of protecting, restoring, recycling and reusing our natural resources.

See photos from previous years.

ESD Sponsors and Committee Members

Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts Illinois Department of Transportation
​Illinois Department of Agriculture Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
​Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology Illinois State Museum
Illinois Department of Natural Resources​ CMS, Office of Environmental Health and Safety

ESD Timeline

The 2024 ESD is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, 2024 with a rain date (if needed) on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Information regarding ESD will be emailed to eligible Sangamon County schools. 

For more information regarding ESD, or if you would like to become a sponsor, please contact Kristi Morris. If you would like to be a presenter at ESD, please fill out the Presenter Registration and e-mail the form to Kristi Morris.