Our planet is truly a magnificent place. From its majestic mountaintops both above ground and underwater to the lush green forests, our earth is an incredibly complex ecosystem. This is why it needs protection.
After nearly five decades of conservation efforts and volunteer work, Earth Day is a day to celebrate Mother Earth and to help keep these unique traits of our planet thriving. Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, mobilizes over one billion people worldwide to act.
But there are lots of things you can do to protect our earth at the local level and show your support. Celebrate our planet with volunteer work and Earth Day-themed events!
VOLUNTEER
Earth Day Volunteer Event at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m.- Noon
1550 Anacostia Ave., N.E., Washington, D.C.
Spend your morning helping with outdoor restorations at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Take part in the removing of invasive plants, picking up trash, planting native plants and performing other park projects.
Trail Volunteer Workdays in Montgomery County
Monday, April 23
County Wide, Montgomery County
Help preserve 140+ miles of trails in Montgomery Parks. From building new trails to dealing with erosion, volunteers work together to help maintain the parks.
Paddle the Channel: Green the Wharf DC
Sunday, April 22, 1-5 p.m.
Recreation Pier at the Wharf, 7th St., S.W., Washington, D.C.
Come on out for Earth Day to help clean our local water! Volunteers will use kayaks and nets to remove trash along the channel. The cleanup will take place along the Washington Channel from Recreation Pier to the Titanic Memorial. Gloves and bags will be provided. Rent a kayak on site or bring your own. Register at eventbrite.com.
Saturday, April 12, 8:45 a.m.-Noon
Greenbelt Park, 6565 Greenbelt Rd., Greenbelt, MD
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is celebrating 60 years of SCA by hosting a 60 Projects for Earth Day event. Support the organization and our planet by volunteering to help preserve the Potomac River Watershed. Some duties include picking up trash and removing invasive debris within Greenbelt Park.
CELEBRATE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Frühlingsfest: A Spring Garden Festival
Saturday, April 21, Noon-4 p.m.
Heurich House Museum, 1307 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Come out to Heurich House Museum’s Frühlingsfest, a seasonal celebration modeled after a traditional German Festival. Plant a perennial in the new Native Plant Butterfly Garden, enjoy garden games, botanical drawing and terrarium-building classes and explore a local artisan mini-market. There will also be special tours that focus on the flora and fauna decorative elements throughout the museum and a botanical-inspired art exhibit.
Earth Day at U.S. Botanic Gardens
Friday, April 20, 10 AM-12 PM
100 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C.
Surround yourself with beautiful plants and celebrate Earth Day at the U.S. Botanic Gardens. Representatives from local environmental organizations will be present to answer your questions and discuss ways to create a healthier planet.
Tudor Place Earth Day Plant Sale & Picnic
Sunday, April 22, Noon-4 p.m.
Tudor Place Historic House, 1644 31 St. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Explore the historic Tudor Place gardens and enjoy a picnic on the grounds. When you’re done, check out the annual Plant Sale, featuring heirloom and native sun to shade perennials, tropical and house plants, herbs and other edible plants.
National Zoo Earth Optimism Day
Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.- 2p.m.
3001 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
As you visit the animals and learn about their habitats, zoo officials will be discussing their current initiatives and achievements in creating a greener zoo. This year’s event features family friendly activities, hands-on learning opportunities and interactive demonstrations
Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild Annual Plant & Herb Sale
Saturday, April 28 & Sunday, April 29
National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave., N.E., Washington DC
At this popular, two-day event, you’ll be able to purchase monastery-grown herbs and vegetables, and take tours of the historic gardens. Craft and food vendors will also be there.
MARYLAND
Earth Day Festival at Brookside Gardens
Sunday, April 22, Noon-4 p.m.
1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, MD
Celebrate our glorious planet at Brookside Garden and Brookside Nature Center! The festival offers a green craft fair, native plant sale, community art project, garden tours, live music and a variety of other family-friendly activities.
Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Howard County Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD
The whole family will enjoy the 11th annual festival! There will be giveaways, a plant sale, kid crafts, live birds and reptiles, and over 75 tables with information on going green.
Sunday, April 22, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Leonardtown Wharf Park, 22735 Washington St., Leonardtown, MD
Want to learn more about the benefits of organic produce? Or maybe you’re curious a bout land and bay conservation? This festival has something for everyone, including kayak and boat rides and crafts for the kids!
VIRGINIA
Saturday, April 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Old Mill Park, 2201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA
With live music, great food, animals shows, vendors and so much more, this family-friendly festival will help you get into the Earth Day spirit!
Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
1005 Mt. Vernon, Ave., Alexandria, VA
This family-friendly festival puts emphasis on eco-friendly transportation options and has lots of activities — from composting demonstrations to live music and puppet shows.
Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly, VA
Come out to SpringFest’s big Earth Day event! Kids will love learning about the environment with nature-friendly arts and crafts, an environmental obstacle course and tree plantings. They will also have a blast at the Frying Pan Park petting farm. For parents, enjoy live music, consulting with master gardeners, learning about bees, buying plants and checking out over 100 vendors and exhibitors.
