On Wednesday, April 22, the Trail of Tears Commission, Hopkinsville Electric System/EnergyNet, Tennessee Valley Authority, Hopkinsville Beautification Commission, the Cooperative Extension Service, Hopkinsville Christian County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and Kiwanis Club sponsored an Earth Day Celebration, recognizing the annual event of global environmental citizenship.  The local Earth Day Event was held at the Trail of Tears Commemorative Park on Pembroke Road and attracted over 300 visitors who educated themselves on environmentally-friendly products and enjoyed a light picnic lunch. 

Organizers kicked-off the event with an historical reflection of the Native-American Park, comments from City and County officials and the unveiling of a Solar Demonstration Project recently installed by Hopkinsville Electric System at the Trails of Tears Visitors Cabin.  The 2,700 kilowatt-hour per year solar panel was installed to demonstrate renewable or green power alternatives and is expected to generate electricity for 25 years or more. During this time span, the clean energy produced by the panel will eliminate approximately 90,000 lbs. of CO2 emissions, an equivalent environmental effect of planting 13 acres of trees.  The annual event is held each year on National Earth Day.