Since 1970, people around the globe have been participating in Earth Day — which is typically celebrated on April 22 in the U.S. and the day of the spring equinox in other parts of the world. As Earthday.org proudly states, the holiday "has evolved into the largest civic event on Earth, activating billions across 192 countries to safeguard our planet and fight for a brighter future."
Caring for the planet is something everyone can get behind and every act, no matter how small, makes a big difference. So, as Earth Day approaches, roll up your sleeves and get ready to show the planet some love! Here are a few local events happening on or near Earth Day to get you started.
Earth Day Fair at the Ogden Nature Center
With spring in full bloom, it's a good time to visit the Ogden Nature Center for the Earth Day Fair on April 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aside from family-friendly activities, attendees can enjoy a water-wise perennial plant sale, live performances, arts, crafts, food trucks and more. You can even speak to a sustainability specialist or an environmental expert who can help answer any questions you may have about sustainable practices.
This event is for all ages and admission is $5 per person, $4 for Ogden Nature Center members and $3 for children under 12.
Party for the Planet at Tracy Aviary
Those looking for a free Earth Day celebration with a chance to do some service will love Tracy Aviary's Party for the Planet event happening April 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lineup of activities includes nature walks all day, trash cleanup at 10 a.m., yoga, cloud watching and a writing workshop.
As a special treat, the Ute Dancers will perform a Bear Dance demonstration at 1 p.m.
Party for the Planet at Utah's Hogle Zoo
That's right — the zoo is holding its own Party for the Planet on Earth Day as well! This one's for the animal lovers in the family.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 20, visitors can participate in family-friendly education, games, recycling projects and crafts to learn how to save animals, habitats and the environment at large.
Party for the Planet is included with a general admission ticket or a zoo membership. Find out more by following @hoglezoo on Facebook, TikTok or Instagram.
Pedal and Pick on the Jordan River Trail
If you're looking for a great way to help the Earth and get some exercise while you're at it, the Pedal and Pick event on the Jordan River Trail is right up your alley. It also happens to coincide with trash pickup at Tracy Aviary, so you get double brownie points for doing good deeds.
The bike ride cleanup portion runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 20, with an Earth Day celebration following from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The event's webpage states, "The Jordan River is host to many Utah native species and provides beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities for trail users. By removing trash, we are helping to preserve this unique ecosystem and make it safer for both trail users and wildlife."
Volunteers will first meet at Jordan Park, head to a designated cleanup station along the trail and then bike to Tracy Aviary for more trash pickup. It's a 10-mile bike ride from Jordan River to Tracy Aviary, and while bikes aren't required, they're encouraged.
Tools, snacks and water will all be provided on-site. Register on their website to attend.
Earth Day at Thanksgiving Point
Make Earth Day as fun as any other holiday for your kids by taking them to Thanksgiving Point's Earth Day celebration on Monday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. You'll learn sustainable habits and practices through engaging activities at each discovery center.
Make a bracelet out of cardboard and plastics at the Museum of Ancient Life. Help out those pollinators by taking home a wildflower "seed bomb" from the Butterfly Biosphere. Create an upcycled bird feeder at the Museum of Natural Curiosity. Upcycle materials for a garden-themed art project at Ashton Gardens. Discover how to reduce water consumption at Farm Country — then take home a low-moisture plant.
Get your tickets at thanksgivingpoint.org.
Twisted Fern's Earth Day Celebration in Park City
For the 21 and older crowd, there's the Earth Day Celebration hosted by Twisted Fern in Park City on Monday, April 22, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The celebration includes food, drinks and a silent auction featuring products and services from local businesses. Proceeds support Recycle Utah's education program.
If you'd like to donate an item to the silent auction, you can email outreach@recycleutah.org.
Celebrating Bees for Earth Day in Bountiful and Brigham City
The Book Garden in Bountiful and 3 Goats Gruff in Brigham City are holding simultaneous Earth Day events — specifically to celebrate one of the planet's most important pollinators: bees.
The festivities kick off on Friday, April 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 3 Goats Gruff and then both shops will be offering free bee plants on April 20 during open hours.
The Book Garden is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 3 Goats Gruff is open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Find out more on the event's webpage.
Learn how to take care of the planet
You don't necessarily have to attend a public event to celebrate Earth Day. You can take things into your own hands by picking up the trash you see, planting a tree in your yard or recycling old pots and trays that may be lying around. If you need more ideas, Earthday.org has plenty of resources to educate and inspire you!
After you've spent the day serving, cleaning, learning and helping the Earth in any way you can, relax in a nice, soft MInky Couture blanket at the end of the day. Shop the full collection at softminkyblankets.com.
