Earth Day events, volunteering opportunities across the DMV
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — As Earth Day approaches, many people start to wonder how they can give back to the planet, but don’t know where to start.
Getting involved isn’t as hard as it looks, and there are tons of community-led events and organizations planning ways to engage citizens across the DMV.
Earth Day falls on Monday, April 22 this year, but there will be several events and celebrations held the weekend before.
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Washington, DC
When: Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Anacostia Watershed Society is holding the 39th annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup where volunteers pick up trash along the watershed. It is one of the largest single-day volunteer events in the DMV, according to their website.
The cleanup will be held across dozens of sites in D.C. and Maryland along the river. The full list of sites can be found on their registration page. Registration is open now until April 16. The group recommends volunteers register ahead of time, as there is limited space available for walk-on volunteers who must sign a waiver.
When: April 26 – April 29
This activity gives explorers the opportunity to help scientists track the biodiversity of the D.C. metro area. To participate, only access to a phone and the internet is needed. Residents can go exploring alone, with family or one one of the many group events planned for this year’s challenge.
From Friday, April 26 until Monday, April 29, take a walk through D.C. and snap a picture of “any plant, animal, fungus, slime mold or any other evidence of life” to participate. The photos are uploaded through the app iNaturalist. A guide on how to use the app and the information for several virtual training seminars are on the challenge’s website.
Where: 10 Water St SE Washington, D.C. 20003
When: April 26, 8 p.m.
End your Earth Day festivities with a screening of the Pixar movie Elemental overlooking the Anacostia River at the Sundeck at The Yards.
Where: Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl SE, Washington, D.C. 20020
When: April 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Anacostia Community Museum is honoring Earth Day by partnering with local organizations to educate the community beyond celebrations. Learn all about plants and composting with live demonstrations from FreshFarm Markets, Grounded Plant Shop and Bloom Soil. Rangers from the National Park Service will also be making a visit to give walking tours of Fort Stanton across from the museum.
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Virginia
City of Alexandria Events
All month long the City of Alexandria is holding events centered around protecting the environment, celebrating the community’s achievements towards these goals, living sustainably and education on how to do your part to improve the planet.
Ranging from stream cleanup along the Windmill Hill Park to tree planting to documentary showings, the City of Alexandria has a host of opportunities for Earth-lovers to get involved.
The city’s website has the whole list of the activities available.
Where: Jones Point Lighthouse in Alexandria
When: April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is urging citizens to join Alexandria’s river cleanup removing single-use plastics and trash from the shoreline. This river cleanup is bound to get wet and muddy, so dress accordingly. Registration is recommended due to limited spots, and volunteers should fill out the organization’s waiver before attending the event.
Where: Oronoco Bay Park
When: Saturday, April 20, 2024, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Alexandria is calling all dog-owners to bring their pets along a 2-mile walk down historic Union Street in Old Town to promote plastic-free, sustainable living. Afterwards, there will be celebrations along the Waterfront Walk to Oronoco Bay Park.
The festival will host 25 organizations to showcase products, services and program that promote sustainable living.
Where: 4500-4550 Lee Hwy
When: April 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gather on Langston Boulevard to explore ways to incorporate sustainability into your daily life through education at environmental booths, fun arts and crafts for kids and an art market full of locally-made goods. There will also be story times for children and music from local acts including Sol Roots and Spice Cake.
Where: Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 S Dinwiddie St., 22204
When: Saturday, April 13, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The highlight of Arlington’s annual Earthfest is a hike at the Four Mile Run trail with the aim of removing invasive species, which meets at the outdoor plaza at 3:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. If hiking isn’t appealing, attendees can also participate in a poetry pop-up booth, create upcycled crafts and meet animals.
Where: Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way, 20151
When: April 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fairfax County’s festival is on the Saturday before Earth Day. It features craft beer, local food vendors, animals from Frying Pan Farm Park, live music and educational entertainment and an obstacle course.
Where: Northwest Federal Credit Union Parking Lot, 200 Spring Street #120, 20170
When: April 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Formerly the Fairfax VegFest, Planet Virginia is a plant-based festival stacked with educational speakers on health and lifestyle choices such as eating sustainably, veganism and vegetarianism.
The event also hosts local food vendors for guests to try out different foods.
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Maryland
Where: Blackrock Center for the Arts in Germantown.
When: April 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From clean-up events to educational workshops on composting and sustainability, Montgomery County is promoting tons of ways to get involved throughout the month culminating in GreenFest, the county’s largest annual environmental festival.
Where: Mt. Calvary Church Parking Lot, 6800 Marlboro Pike, 20747
When: April 20, at 9 a.m.
Residents can join several Maryland officials such as Prince George’s County council members Wala Blegay, Esq. and Krystal Oriadha and state Sen. Nick Charles in cleaning up the Marlboro Pike Corridor.
Where: Croydon Creek Nature Center, 852 Avery Rd, Rockville, MD 20851
When: April 22, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This celebration is taking place at one of Maryland’s most serene recreation centers and draws in the crowds to explore Croydon Creek Nature Center which sits upon 120 acres of forest preserve.
Aside from exploring the outdoors, the celebration will also host a coloring contest and nature craft-making for the kids.
Where: 1325 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, 21113
When: April 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Get your hands dirty with the Odenton Library by volunteering for their Earth Day trash cleanup. Safety equipment and trash bags will be provided.
Green Farmacy Garden Community Earth Day
Where: Dr. Jim Duke’s Green Farmacy Garden, 8210 Murphy Road Fulton, 20759
When: April 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This spiritual celebration is intended to draw its guests closer to the Earth and reflect on these thoughts through meditation, tea ceremonies, planting native species and a special event called “climate cafe” which is a mediation on climate change.
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