NATCHEZ — If Mitzi Callon planted a seed in Natchez by helping start the Natchez Chapter of Gaining Ground Sustainability Institute of Mississippi, then she hopes residents will water that seed this weekend.

The nonprofit organization is hosting Natchez Earthfest Saturday, an Earth Day celebration aimed to help educate locals on recycling, solar energy, gardening and a number of other sustainable living measures.

“We exist to help bring people together and spread the word about a variety of sustainability options,” Callon said. “You can only plant a seed, and it’s up to all of us to water it.

“That’s what we hope to do this weekend.”

Callon, and a group of like-minded fans of sustainability, formed a local chapter of the statewide group.

Callon said she grew passionate in recent years about living a toxin-free, sustainable life after she became so sick she got to a point in which she couldn’t digest her food, and it almost cost her her life.

Ridding her body of artificial foods and chemicals gave Callon a new perspective on life and the world around her.

“I became so sick that I became really sensitive to what’s important and that’s that my body is my vessel, and I need to take care of it,” Callon said. “The other thing I realized is that I had to be a good steward of the earth and that really starts at home.”

Bringing together a variety of community members, business and other organizations was the best way Callon said she thought her message could reach a wide audience.

“We can educate a lot more people when we pull in the schools and the churches and other organizations to work as one,” Callon said. “The children are the next generation and it’s our responsibility to educate them so it becomes this ripple effect.”

Earthfest will feature demonstrations on gardening, yoga and Tai Chi.

Two local bands, Mojo Mudd, Colby Passman and David & Carter, will perform live music.

Recycled and upcycled art from Natchez Bottle Cap Art and (for)evergreen art co. will also be for sale.

Callon said a variety of recycled material will be on hand for children to make their own creations and try their hand at gardening.

The free event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on the bluff.