Earth Day events in Hampton Roads: Free fares, tree planting and more!
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Monday marks the 54th annual Earth Day, and many businesses in the Hampton Roads region plan to celebrate.
Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970, as a time to celebrate the planet and increase efforts to protect the environment.
All across the Hampton Roads region, HRT is celebrating Earth Day with free rides for all of their busses, light rail and ferry services.
“Going fare-free to celebrate Earth Day is an opportunity to thank our riders while encouraging new riders to leave their vehicles behind and try transit,” HRT CEO William Harrell said.
More events from across the region can be found below:
Hampton
The City of Hampton will host an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. The ceremony is scheduled from 10-11 a.m. Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck will plant trees to recognize the base’s contributions and commitment to the environment.
On April 23 and April 30, the Bateman Library will host Military Story Times from 1-1:30 p.m. Stories, songs and activities will be available for children at the event. The themes for the month of April are pasta, rain, birds, bees and gardening.
Norfolk
On April 22, Norfolk Park Rangers at Lakewood Park invites children 6 and under to learn how to make a positive impact in Norfolk. The event is scheduled from 10-11 a.m.
Portsmouth
On April 22 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Manor Branch Library, students will have the opportunity to create art from recycled materials.
Suffolk
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the merger between Suffolk and Nansemond, Suffolk plans to plant 50 trees. City leagues and homeowner’s association’s will be able to apply to receive a tree by filling out this online form.
Suffolk to plant 50 trees for city’s 50-year anniversary; here’s how to apply
Virginia Beach
First Landing State Park is celebrating Earth Day for the whole week with different programs and activities from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. to learn how Rangers do their part to take care of our planet.
The theme for April 22 is ‘Conservation.’ People will be able to grab a self-guided activity from the visitor center. Rangers will also demonstrate how crafts can be used for conservation through their event titled ‘Make Bubbles Not Balloons.’
For April 27, Rangers will teach people about watersheds and their importance in our area. There will be a water testing workshop as well as a beach walk and cleanup.
First Landing will end the week of celebration on April 28 with the theme of ‘Climate.’ There will be a guided beach walk available, as well as a cloud craft.
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