“We talked about some of the damage that’s already been done and how to minimize things for the future.” “We also had classroom lessons on recycling and the reasons for conservation,” he said. Noli science teacher Jay D’Agostino said all science students were encouraged to participate. “They have some really great concepts and put a lot of effort into each one.” “They are all super creative they did a great job,” Michelle Kaliher, Environmental Administrative Assistant, said. Three winners were chosen to receive either a pizza, ice cream or donut party for their class. “I asked them to show something that promotes sustainability for our community using items that get recycled,” he said. Environmental Specialist Micah Knox contacted the school to explain the contest criteria. Ten classes collaborated on the cans that were provided by the environmental department and displayed in the center of the booths that were set up outdoors at the Soboba Sports Complex. Noli Indian School students were invited to decorate trash cans that would give an important message about protecting the planet by recycling.

More than 370 visitors to the four-hour event were greeted with music, giveaways, contests and 21 vendors that included many Soboba departments sharing their programs and projects. Tweaking the national 2021 theme of Restore Our Earth to be more relevant to tribal lands, the department focused on Restore Mother Earth.

After having to postpone its annual Earth Day celebration in April due to COVID-19 concerns, the Soboba Tribal Environmental Department was glad to get the green light to host the event on September 30.

Planet coaster trash cans