This year Earth Day will be recognized globally over three days, April 20 to 22, with the theme (and call to action), Restore Our Earth. Millions of individuals and thousands of organizations are expected to participate in this worldwide event by taking part in A Billion Acts of Green, all being logged in real-time at EarthDay.org.

The website features a constantly updating Billion Acts of Green Counter, with this message: “Change starts with action. Better yet, an action that affects the world around you. A Billion Acts of Green are happening across the planet. From students in classrooms to organizers in their communities to officials in government there are ways for anyone of any background to make a difference. Start small and go big—or start big and stay big. Either way, keep coming back, keep taking action and join the movement to change the world.”

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 when 20 million Americans mobilized to call for greater protections for the planet. Now a nonprofit organization as well as a global event, Earth Day’s mission is to “diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide. . . . EarthDay.org is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 75,000 partners in over 190 countries to drive positive action for our planet.”

EarthDay.org includes an interactive map that anyone in the world can use to find Earth Day activities and events in their own communities. It also features a link, 51 Actions You Can Take Today to restore the earth.

 In New York City and Long Island, there are grassroots opportunities throughout the month of April to celebrate Earth Day and protect the planet, including cleanups, festivals and other family-friendly events. We’ve listed some of our favorites below. 

Sourced by Jennifer LaGrippo

A MONTH OF EARTH DAY EVENTS

New York City

Saturday, April 10

• Family Farm Volunteer Day
• The Battery Urban Farm
• 9 a.m. to noon

Learn from the farm staff how to set up the farm for spring: planting, weeding, seeding, etc. Register at Eventbrite. For more information, visit TheBattery.org or email  [email protected].

Saturday, April 17

• Earth Day Cleanup at Clay Pit Ponds
• Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
• 1 to 3 p.m.

Spend part of a Saturday cleaning up the Clay Pit Ponds State Park Reserve. Program limited to 23 participants. Register at Eventbrite. For more information, visit Parks.ny.gov or call 718-605-3970 ext. 201.

Saturday, April 24

• Community Clean-Up: Earth Day at the Esplanade
• Snug Harbor Esplanade, Staten Island
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Clean up the waterfront and so butterfly plant seeds. Hosted by the Natural Resources Protective Association, United Activities Unlimited and the Staten Island Museum. Register at Eventbrite. For more information, visit StatenIslandMuseum.org or call Jim Scarcella at 718-873-4291.

Sunday, April 25

• Harlem’s Earth Day 
• Thomas Jefferson Park
• 1 to 6 p.m.

Free event featuring Harlem’s small businesses in the health and wellness industry, with music, workout classes, and education. Presented by CDABEAST, owned by Chastity Castro. Register at Eventbrite. For more information visit cdaBeast.com.

2021 Earth Day Challenge Run/Walk NYC

The virtual challenge to log your miles throughout April. Upgraded registration includes T-shirt, wildflower seeds, and a commemorative medal. Register at Eventbrite. For more information, visit TheVirtualRunChallenge.com or email [email protected].

Long Island

Thursday, April 22

• Celebrating Earth Day: Helping Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles on Long Island
• Virtual presentation
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

A discussion of the Long Island Sound ecosystem, presented virtually by the Group for the East End and Atlantic Marine Conservation Society. Register on Zoom. For more information, visit GroupForTheEastEnd.org or email Taralynn Reynolds at [email protected].

Thursday, April 22

Seatuck Eco Carnival

Virtual film festival plus an island-wide scavenger hunt 

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival, featuring 10 short films about nature, activism and community, will take place April 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are available. Island-wide Earth Day cleanup and scavenger hunt, April 22 to 25, encourages children and families to clean up their community, culminating with a children’s concert. For tickets and information, visit Seatuck.org. For more information, contact Carolyn Foster at [email protected] or 631-581-6908.

Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25

• Fifth Annual Earth Day Paddle Cleanup
• Carmans River Canoe & Kayak
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Clean up litter in the Carmans River by kayak. Portions of proceeds will be donated to help protect birds, fish, water wildlife, and Carman’s River Environmental Education Center. Register at Eventbrite. For more information, visit CarmansRiverKayak.com or email [email protected].

Sunday, April 25

• Earth Day Everyday Celebration of Our Planet
• Sweetbriar Nature Center
• 1 to 3 p.m.

Visit animals, participate in a scavenger hunt and make a craft to take home. All ages. Tickets and information at SweetbriarNC.org. For more information, contact Veronica Sayers, program coordinator, at [email protected] or 631-979-6344 ext. 303.