Earth Day 2018 is officially the 22nd of April, which is Sunday (right around the corner!), but many activities are scheduled throughout and around the weekend! There are quite a lot of interesting and fun events taking place if you’d like to get involved in some type of structured activity, although a little forest wandering is always a great way to celebrate the Earth!
Below are some of the upcoming events and activities around the Twin Cities you might be interested in exploring this year, just click on the event titles at the end of each paragraph to access the link to each site.
I’m only focusing on events around Minneapolis and St. Paul on this page, but finding events in your area should be fairly easy – just do an internet search for Earth Day events – you can include the name of your town to help hone the search to your area. If you are interested in hosting an event yourself, the Earth Day Network has some good ideas and toolkits available to help you prepare. Check out their site here, starting with the toolkits they offer: Earth Day Network
Whatever you end up choosing to do, enjoy yourself!
Twin Cities Earth Day Events
The City of Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board has an Earth Day Cleanup organized on Saturday (the 21st), which will be taking place at numerous sites throughout the city. Check the “Get Involved” tab, about halfway down the home page, for the listing of sites available. There is a 5k fun run/walk you can participate in as well – kids and dogs are welcome! Minneapolis Earth Day Cleanup
The City of St. Paul is having a similar city cleanup event on Saturday, also being held at multiple locations throughout the city. Check out this site to find out more: Citywide Spring Cleanup
If you are interested in birds, try the Hastings Area Earth Day Birding Festival, also on Saturday, at Carpenter Nature Center. Here you will find beginning birding classes, bird banding demonstrations, field trips, raptor programs, and more! Carpenter has a wonderful network of trails to explore as well. Earth Day Birding Festival
A Party for the Planet, suitable for the entire family, is being held at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory both Saturday and Sunday. You’ll find crafts, educational programs, and a lot of other earth-friendly activities. Sounds like a fun party! Party for the Planet
On Tuesday, April 24th, Dodge Nature Center in St. Paul is hosting an Earth Day clean-up evening, which will include picking up litter, helping to remove invasive species, and similar volunteer activities. This event will be taking place in the evening, and the nature center will provide dinner to volunteers prior to getting to work, so pre-registration is required (so they know how much food will be needed). Give Back to Nature
Several of the nature centers within the Three Rivers Park District are hosting Earth Day events. From guided walks to preschool programs, you’re sure to find something that will interest you! Scroll down to the Earth Day window under Upcoming Events, and click on Learn More: Three Rivers Park District