Frogs, Toads, and Other Amphibious Creatures
Every day is always another opportunity to do something kind for the Earth—but especially come April 22. Created to support environmental protection and efforts to protect our planet, Earth Day is the perfect day to spend with PA parks. Whether it be volunteering and participating in environmental activism or just taking the time to enjoy and be a patron of the great outdoors, you can head out of the house this month and into a park to celebrate Earth Day. And we’ll show you how…
Did You Know?
Did you know that Earth Day began in response to the Vietnam War? Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson began the day officially as a “nationwide teach-in” to inform citizens about environmental concerns.
Variety of Volunteering
The most obvious way to spend Earth Day? Volunteering in your community. And this comes in many different forms. Like getting your hands dirty? There’s plenty of tree-planting events around the state. In fact, last year, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society estimated they planted around 1,100 trees during their celebration of Earth Day.
Or maybe you get more satisfaction by removing things. Try out a litter pick-up or invasive species cleanup! You can even take action without breaking a sweat. Find marches or peaceful protests for environmental issues—or even petitions you can sign without having to leave your house (though we’ll always recommend stepping outside to take a trip to a park).
Need some ideas? Head over to Prince Gallitzin State Park on April 26 for a full day of different beautification and cleanup projects. Or speaking of PHS, join their tree tenders program.
One Day, Big Impact
It’s estimated that Earth Day is now celebrated by about 190 countries. The day has made such an impact that it actually influenced the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other legislations.
Celebrate the Earthly Way
Naturally, we recommend everyone volunteer, but if you’re looking to relax instead and spend some time with loved ones—we also recommend doing that at your local park. Along with plenty of community volunteer events, many parks have fun festivals and more to celebrate the day, and the great outdoors. Grab a lawn chair, a picnic basket, or just a pair of sunglasses and bug spray, and get ready to head out into a park.
Upper Merion Township is hosting their annual Earth Day Festival in Township Park. And that means vendors, food, drinks, (even a petting zoo!), and more.
There’s also a myriad of Philly events in local parks to check out—from another vending festival to a children’s Earth Day-themed storytime to an Earth Day Hike and Meditation.
It’s important to know the impact we can have on our planet, both good and bad. There are close to 8 metric tons of plastic in the ocean annually. But on the flip side, there are 400 trees for every person on Earth (and you can be the one to help this number grow!)
Check Out DCNR’s Events
For additional events and ideas to spend your Earth Day, The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in PA, DCNR, has curated a whole collection of events—from volunteering to celebrating and everything in between. And if you’re looking to learn more about Earth Day itself and our impact, there’s information on that as well.
Whatever you decide to do on April 22, try your best to make it outside, breathe in the fresh air, touch the grass or look up at the sun or wildlife, and say thanks to our big beautiful Earth!
