Locals to march for the planet

As the People’s Climate Movement gets underway Saturday in Washington, D.C., hundreds locally are expected to march across Moscow as part of the Lori Batina Memorial Climate March.

The local march will start at 10:30 a.m. with a gathering and welcome by Nez Perce earthkeepers at Friendship Square, followed by a march to East City Park, where a rally for the planet will feature music, drummers, speakers and a tribute to Batina.

Anne Remaley, chairperson for the Palouse Environmental Sustainability Coalition, said the purpose of the march is to call attention to the need to restore and care for the Earth, a mission dear to Batina, who died from cancer in February at the age of 55.

Remaley said Batina was an area activist and supporter of the planet’s well-being. She was also the type of person who was always ready to help others.

“She was incredibly full of wisdom and expertise and caring for people and the Earth,” Remaley said.

Remaley said Batina organized the 2014 March for Survival from Pullman to Moscow on the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail to emphasize the need to care for the planet.

Pat Rathmann, PESC board member and event coordinator for Saturday’s march, said PESC felt the event would be a fitting way to honor Batina because she worked so hard organizing the 2014 march, which was attended by an estimated 300-400 people.

The PESC is working with the local chapter of the Sierra Club to organize the event.

A dozen or so speakers are scheduled to address the marchers at East City Park, including Nez Perce tribe members, Rev. Elizabeth Stevens from Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse in Moscow and four or five faculty members from Washington State University and University of Idaho involved in climate change research.

Remaley encouraged marchers to bring signs and banners.

Gary Dorr, a Nez Perce tribal member and environmental protector, will perform as the master of ceremonies for the event.

“It’s encouraging that we have a group of concerned individuals here in north-central Idaho that are willing to speak out for protection of life resources,” Dorr said.