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Earth Day is here at last!
While every day is Earth Day for people who cherish the natural world, April 22 has been set aside to celebrate nature, environmental conservation and the planet. No matter where you are, you’re probably just a stone’s throw away from a gathering or festival. Here are just a smattering of Earth Day events around the state.
Photo credit: RiverLink.org
ASHEVILLE
Sunday, April 24 Noon - 4pm
75 Coxe Ave
The future stewards of our planet will get a chance to make a deeper connection to the environment while they learn about plants and animals, mountains and streams, composting and recycling, and so much more. Participating organizations will have fun games and activities, interactive displays, arts and crafts. Learn what they are doing to protect the planet.
Photo credit: UNC-Chapel Hill
CHAPEL HILL
Friday, April 22 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
103 Raleigh Street
UNC-Chapel Hill is an affiliate member of Bee Campus USA, an initiative that promotes dialogue and awareness of the key role pollinators play in the environment and how we can create better habitats for them to thrive. Spend the morning identifying pollinators, plants, crustaceans and amphibians. Download the iNaturalist app and record your observations.
CHARLOTTE
Saturday, April 23 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
301 East 7th Street
This family centered and educationally interactive event is designed to engage participants with the challenges facing our natural ecosystems. Check out the complete schedule of events and head Uptown for the fun!
DURHAM
Sunday, April 24 Noon – 5 p.m.
501 Foster Street
Rain or shine, this eclectic mix of music, food and hands-on environmental education activities will go on. All activities are free!
Photo credit: VisitElizabethCity.com
ELIZABETH CITY
Friday, April 22 10 a.m. - Noon
611 E. Main Street
The Elizabeth City Utilities Department and Port Discover are teaming up to educate and celebrate our Earth through with a host of activities.
FOUNTAIN
Sunday, April 24 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
1822 Old Market Rd
This rustic Pitt County farm is a popular venue for weddings and celebrations. This weekend it's where you will find a cool Earth Day celebration sponsored by the Cypress Group of the Sierra Club. Wagon tours, student presentations, information about community gardening, local environmental concerns, and best practices for sustainable farming methods. There will also be food and music.
Photo Credit: RaleighNC.gov
RALEIGH
Friday, April 22 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
1030 Richardson Drive
The NC Wildlife Federation Neuse River Hawks Chapter and Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources will celebrate with field games, learning exhibits, giveaways and opportunities to get involved in protecting our planet. The new electric bus will also be unveiled!
WASHINGTON
Saturday, Apr 23 8 a.m.
119 Water Street
Gather at the gazebos at Hodges Festival Park to clean up the Harbor District. Don’t forget your gloves!
WILMINGTON
Photo credit: Cameron Art Museum
Friday, April 22 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
3201 South 17th Street
Enjoy a live performance and light and sound installation by the researchers, artists and scientists known as the Algae Society. This Bioart Design Lab will explore the unique aquatic organisms of the Cape Fear River and its coastal ecosystem.
Saturday, April 23 Noon to 6 p.m.
314 Pine Grove Drive
This year’s free Love Your Mother event features environmental information and activities with 70 exhibitors. Live music, food trucks, raffle prizes and a Kid Zone with an accompanying children’s parade.
**Cover photo credit: NC Environmental Education
