The 'when' and 'why' of Earth Day and where to capture the spirit in Palm Beach County

Kate Kealey and Sonja Isger, USA TODAY NETWORK
·2 min read

In Palm Beach County, we are surrounded by great natural spaces and organizations that work to preserve Earth and its non-human inhabitants. As the South Florida weather gives us a last gasp of spring, we can take the time to enjoy the beaches, waterways, wild preserves — or just find a nice outdoor spot and gaze upon the local beauty.

Here is everything you need to know about Earth Day and celebrating green initiatives.

When is Earth Day 2024?

Earth Day is Monday, April 22. The day of environmental activism is always celebrated on April 22 in the United States, but other parts of the world celebrate it on the day of the spring equinox, according to National Geographic. The first Earth Day in America was in 1970.

Why do we celebrate Earth Day?

Love the planet we're on. Earth Day is upon us once again.
Love the planet we're on. Earth Day is upon us once again.

The history of Earth Day is rooted in politics. Millions of people across the country attended the first Earth Day in 1970 to advocate for environmental conservation. The movement wanted to strengthen legislation such as the Clean Air Act (updated in 1970) and the Endangered Species Act (1973), according to National Geographic.

More ways to celebrate nature: Into the wild on two wheels: Easy bike rides that pass gators, deer instead of cars, trucks

Events, best places in Palm Beach County to celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day is still a time for activism and education around sustainable development. Some organizations offer volunteer activities including litter cleanups or tree planting to celebrate the day.

We are surrounded by great natural spaces and organizations in Palm Beach County that work to preserve Earth and its non-human inhabitants. Visit one of the dozens of city or county parks. Check out other destinations, many of which have activities planned for the weekend leading into Earth Day and the day itself. Beyond your local parks, check out this sampling of the organizations and destinations, you can find their locations and planned activities online.

More: Enjoy being outside: 10 best parks in Palm Beach County

The push for conserving natural resources drives Earth Day.
The push for conserving natural resources drives Earth Day.

More outdoors: Time to go beach-bar hopping! Find the best beach bars from Jupiter to Boca Raton

  • FAU Pine Jog Environmental Education Center

  • Loggerhead MarineLife Center

  • Manatee Lagoon

  • Cox Science Center & Aquarium

  • Mounts Botanical Gardens

  • Morikami Gardens

  • Anne Norton Sculpture Gardens

  • Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Palm Beach Zoo

E.R. Bradley's Earth Day beach clean up and happy hour event

Celebrate Earth Day with a beach clean up and happy hour at E.R. Bradley’s Saloon, located at 104 South Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach, from 2 to 6 p.m. The afternoon will consist of making a positive impact while enjoying beachside appetizers, networking, and winning prizes. Spots are limited. Participants will gather at the Worth Avenue Clock Tower at 2:30 p.m. to kick off the beach clean-up. Click here for additional details and registration

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Earth Day in Palm Beach County, why celebrate; best outdoor events