From left, Andrew, Thalia and Claira Looney learn about the different types of rocks by “excavating” them during Marietta’s Earth Day celebration on Saturday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

MARIETTA — The Armory Lawn was alive with energy and enthusiasm Saturday as the community celebrated the 26th annual Earth Day event.

This year’s gathering drew a robust crowd eager to explore over 30 eco-focused stations and exhibits.

Connie Grimes, co-chair of the event, shared her excitement about the turnout.

“We knew it was Easter weekend, but it usually works out great; people are in town and looking for something to do,” she said. “And what better way to spend the day than learning how to care for our Earth?”

The event was sponsored by Peoples Bank and the Marietta Area Recycling Center, along with local civic organizations, including the Pioneer Lady Civitan and Marietta Civitan Clubs.

Felix Sweeney paints a fish at the Marietta Earth Day celebration Saturday. The paints Sweeney is using are from True Pigments, a company that specializes in using natural pigments to create paint. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Exhibits ranged from wildlife showcases, including birds of prey and native spiders, to educational panels about sustainable practices and environmental protection.

One popular stop was the spider exhibit, featuring different species such as the regal jumping spider. Exhibitor Jadin Marcum with Spider Spell Emporium, based out of Ravenswood, explained how spiders play a crucial role in local ecosystems and that their presence is an indicator of environmental health.

“If there’s no spiders, we’re in trouble,” she said, highlighting the link between biodiversity and watershed health.

Marietta’s Earth Day also featured local advocacy groups, such as Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action. Eric Engle, a representative for the group, spoke about the importance of education and local involvement.

“It really is about education and awareness of the global climate crisis,” he said. “People can get involved by visiting our table, going to movclimateaction.org, or joining our active Facebook group.”

Ebony, the jumping spider, poses for the camera during the Marietta Earth Day celebration on Saturday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Grimes said the Earth Day celebration is “all about giving people ideas on how to save the Earth and how to recycle; just all kinds of stuff like that.”

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.