On Thursday, April 22, Earth Day celebrates its 40th Year, but celebrations will start this weekend. Many of us have made changes in our lives that would make Earth Day enthusiasts happy: using reusable bags, changing our light bulbs, recycling more… But Earth Day is a strong reminder to continue to improve our eco-friendly ways. Here is a list of ways to celebrate the planet:
Earth Day Fest
Who: Families who like Earth.
What: Celebrate nature on this nationally recognized day dedicated to our planet. Enjoy a live honeybee demonstration, nature walks, a composting demonstration, canoeing, kayaking, container gardening, fishing, music and more. Don’t miss the green vendors’ tent and information tables of earth-minded groups. Snack and refreshments are included.
Where: Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ.
When: Saturday, April 17 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the public. For more information call 973-228-8776.
Van Vleck House & Gardens Spring Celebration
Who: All ages.
What: Activity stations and displays will focus on spring and greening your home garden. A special visit from a red-tailed hawk.
Where: Van Vleck House & Gardens, 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair NJ, 07042.
When: Saturday, April 17 from 1 pm – 3 pm.
Cost: $15 family in advance / $20 per family day of the event. Friends take a 20% discount.
KIDZ Club: Earth Day “Green” Arts and Crafts
Who: Kids ages 4 and up.
What: Earth Day celebration that uses recycled items to make creative crafts.
Where: Whole Foods Market, 235 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, NJ.
When: Thursday, April 22 at 4 pm.
Cost: $5. To register, please call 973.669.3196 or stop by Customer Service.
Earth Day at Terra
Who: Earth loving kids and their parents.
What: Seed starting workshop for kids and all who are young at heart! Make your own pot out of recycled newspaper and start a salad garden of your own.
Where: Terra Tea Salon, 10 Church Street, Montclair, NJ, 07042.
When: Thursday, April 22 from 11 am – 1 pm.
Cost: Free.
Party for the Planet
Who: Green kids and their parents.
What: Earth Day celebration with activities and music!
Where: Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey, 07052.
When: Saturday, April 24 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Zoo admission: $7 adults / $5 children over 2 / $5 seniors.
Eco Boys and Girls Premier at Liberty Science Center
Who: School-aged kids, kindergarten and up.
What: An educational film and exhibit starring new, earth-friendly, animated characters designed by model, fashion designer, and artist Maria Snyder. The characters usher in the Center’s Earth Week Celebration and guide children through Liberty Science Center’s environmentally informative exhibits. Kids can participate in environmental discovery challenges, watch the short animated film, and see the characters appear on large screens throughout Governor’s Hall.
Where: Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City, NJ
When: Saturday, April 24 at 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free with paid admission of $15.75 for adults and $11.50 for kids ages 2 – 12.