In the years since the very first Earth Day, which began as a massive grassroots protest in 1970, Baltimoreans have come to fully embrace the civic holiday with trash pickups, sustainability workshops, and other environmental activities that unite the community in our city’s beloved greenspaces. That tradition continues this year, with plenty of green gatherings planned around Earth Day’s return on April 22. We’ve rounded up a few of them, below, to help you get out there and show your gratitude for our extraordinary planet.
4/19–4/21: Earth Day Party for the Planet
Visit with furry friends and become a planet protection agent at the Maryland Zoo during this weekend-long extravaganza. The family-friendly event, free with zoo admission or membership, will feature educational seminars with conservation experts and take participants on a journey to complete various activities—from understanding turtle tracking patterns and protecting native species to learning the importance of recycling through crafting in the Penguin Education Center. 1 Safari Pl. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
4/20: Friends of Patterson Park Earth Day Extravaganza
The nonprofit Friends of Patterson Park is back with its annual Earth Day meetup that allows neighbors to show their love for the 55-acre urban oasis. Grab some free coffee, get your steps in, and lend a hand with tasks including gardening, planting new trees, and picking up trash around the playground and lake areas. All cleanup and planting supplies will be provided—all you need to do is register and show up ready to get your hands (a little bit) dirty. 27 S. Patterson Park Ave. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
4/20: Earth Day Cleanup & Celebration with CareFirst
Head to the CareFirst Engagement Center in Canton to gather with other volunteers ready to beautify the community. After the cleanup, stick around for lunch and remarks from guest speakers who will discuss the benefits of sustainable practices on our health. 1501 South Clinton St. Ste 100.10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.
4/20: Turtle Races at Cunningham Falls State Park
The Cunningham Falls Park Aviary is raising funds to support the 17 animals in its care—including owls, snakes, and a bald eagle—through a floating rubber turtle race. Participants can sponsor up to seven rubber turtles to race down a water chute, with cash prizes of up to $500 awarded to the four fastest contestants. 6709 Cunningham Falls Park Rd. Thurmont. 12 p.m.
4/21: Every Day is Earth Day Cleanup at Waverly Brewing
As its name implies, this Baltimore-based org believes that environmental efforts should be a top priority year-round. But founder Dan Brover and his crew of eco-conscious volunteers still go all out for their namesake holiday. Join the inviting social group—which we gave a Best of Baltimore award last year—for an afternoon of beautifying the area surrounding Hampden’s Waverly Brewing Co. After the cleanup, stick around for beers, free food from Reisterstown’s El Paraiso, and an opportunity to get to know Megan Carpenter of Jacked Jams—the event’s community partner which produces locally sourced jams with names inspired by Carpenter’s love of fitness (think: Pumped-Up Pineapple and Powerlifting Peach.) 3659 Clipper Mill Rd. 12-3 p.m.
4/21: Yoga and Volunteering at BLISS Meadows
Bring your yoga mat and begin your Sunday morning with a session led by Diamond Bruns of Wealth in Wellness at BLISS Meadows farm in Northeast Baltimore. After a peaceful start, enjoy your time in the orchard planting new fruit trees to celebrate and show appreciation for the planet. Then, wind down with a complimentary lunch to end your relaxing day at the farm. 5111 Plainfield Ave. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free.
4/22: Earth Day Sip and Plant at Real Food Farm
Join the team at Civic Works’ Real Food Farm at Clifton Park for an outdoor happy hour featuring snacks, drinks, and a tour of the property. Guests will also be able to chat with farmers and plant vegetables to commemorate the big day. 2801 Saint Lo Drive. 5-7 p.m.
4/27: Mayor Brandon Scott’s Spring Cleanup and Day of Service
Once again, Mayor Scott is hosting the Mayor’s Annual Spring Clean-Up and Day of Service alongside the Baltimore City Department of Public Works and Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs. Register here to volunteer at a pre-determined location (site details are provided upon registration), where cleanup bags and other supplies will be provided by organizers. If you’d like to pick up bags beforehand, you can stop by 2840 Sisson St. Monday through Saturday, or 111 Kane St. Monday through Friday. 9 a.m.–1 p.m
4/27: Earth Day Festival in Severna Park
The Good Neighborhood Group is hosting its 22nd-annual Earth Day Festival with help from the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company. Environmental vendors and organizations will be on site to share their expertise on how best to care for the community. With live music, activities, and food, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon as a family, while also learning about the planet. 161 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.