By Kamrin Baker
On April 13, Omaha tree huggers gathered at Mulhall’s for its annual Earth Day event.
Visitors could enjoy a variety of activities like listening to local musician Jocelyn perform live, snack on goodies from Coneflower Creamery, Stirnella and Myrtle & Cypress, complete crafts, and of course, shop for some new succulents.
Sarah Vanek, the Education and Outreach Manager at Mulhall’s, is one of the brains behind this annual operation.
“I get to put together a lot of fun events all to help bring the community together and share our passion for the beauty of the natural world,” Vanek said. “It’s a way for us to celebrate the planet and welcome in another beautiful season.”
Other special activities included a visit from the Omaha Bee Club and some members of its hive, a community earth weaving project and a Plant ID quiz complete with prizes.
UNO student Samantha Weideman was one of many in attendance.
“As thrilled as I was to eat Coneflower and listen to Jocelyn, it was so heartwarming interacting with the people who were so passionate about their booths, like the beekeepers,” Weideman said. “I’ve been to the event two years, and I intend to go back as long as I’m in Omaha.”
Whether guests were ready to renovate their backyards, hungry for ice cream, or just came to smell the flowers, Mulhall’s provided the perfect landscape.
Local musician Jocelyn sings an acoustic set to attendees. 
Another local vendor—Myrtle and Cypress—brought their coffee and teas to Mulhall’s. 
Visitors enter the main greenhouse at Mulhall’s. 
Bees work their magic in the Omaha Bee Club’s hive. 
A Mulhall’s employee works on the community loom weaving project. 
A large sign greets visitors near the cash registers. 
A guest inquires about the Omaha Bee Club’s hive. 
Surrounded by flowers, Jocelyn entertains all afternoon. 
Visitors could take part in a Plant ID Quiz to win an Earth Day prize. 
Visitors wait in line for Coneflower Creamery. The local ice cream shop brought three of their signature flavors—including the Blackstone Butter Brickle— to the event. 
Two Keys Creative Studio guided a craft table where attendees made floral wall hangings. 
Among the crowded greenhouse, shoppers still quietly peruse through the seasonal flowers. 
A group of friends take part in the day’s events—snacking on ice cream while working on their floral wall hangings. 
Coneflower Creamery had a line throughout the event—similarly to its brick and mortar shop. 
Coneflower Creamery’s booth was designed for functionality and photo opportunities.
