Calendar: Earth Day Events

There are many, many ways you could celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, which seems to be becoming Earth Week. (Not that we're complaining.) Here are some of our picks, but we've left out plenty -- how do you plan to celebrate Earth Day/Week? Leave us a comment below with other events folks should know about, or your own personal way of recognizing your connecction to the earth.

Earth from Apollo 17 (NASA)

Wednesday (Earth Day eve)

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna will host a program on Gaia Theory. "Join Martin Ogle of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to learn about this tantalizing concept as he explains, in layman's terms, the science, history and societal implications of Gaia Theory. How does life regulate Earth’s temperature, atmosphere and other planetary conditions? How does Gaia Theory speak to global challenges ranging from climate change to energy use, and to the work of conservationists and educators?"

Thursday (Earth Day)

The Potomac Conservancy is hosting a cleanup along the C&O Canal near their headquarters at Lockhouse 8. "Stop by for a few hours with friends, a group of coworkers or your family, and make an impact for the environment. Wear clothes that can get dirty- we’ll provide all the necessary tools and equipment.For more information contact Deanna Tricarico, Outreach Coordinator, at tricarico@potomac.org or 301.608.1188 x.204."

Rock Creek Park will volunteer opportunities throughout the day, including pulling invasive weeds and picking up litter. There are also hikes scheduled at 11, 2, and 3 - see the schedule here.

And in the evening (7PM), Melanie Choukas-Bradley will talk about DC's trees at the Cleveland Park Library. Her talk description promises to take you on a virtual tour of Washington's botanic history and diversity, with pictures and stories behind the trees in Cleveland Park, the White House, the Capitol, Mount Vernon and other historic sites. And copies of her book, City of Trees, will be available for sale & signing. (NOTE: This is a correction from our previous posting, which had this event listed on Friday. Sorry Melanie!)
 
Friday

The US Botanic Garden on the Mall is having a mid-day (11AM-2PM) Earth Day celebration. "Join us as the USBG celebrates the 40th anniversary of Earth Day by promoting fresh ideas from the garden for food, health and life. Representatives of environmental organizations from throughout the region will also be on hand with information and ways in which you can make the planet a healthier place and be stewards of our natural resources." 

Saturday

The Anacostia Watershed Society is hosting cleanups at more than 30 sites along the river in DC and Maryland from 8:30 to noon. Then they'll serve you a free lunch (with music!) in Anacostia Park. Click here to see the sites and for more info.

Sunday

The Earth Day Network and many, many partner organizations have organized a major Climate Rally on the National Mall from noon to 6PM, aiming to be one of the largest Earth Day gatherings ever. They'll be rallying for climate and clean energy legislation. Scheduled appearances include Sting, John Legend, James Cameron, The Roots, Bob Weir, Patrick Stump, Mavis Staples, Passion Pit, Q-Tip, Booker T, and others. Exhibitors will be between 4th and 14th St.

There are plenty more activities -- linked to Earth Day and not -- on our calendar. We'll see you out there!