While Earth Day is officially observed on April 22, events and happenings are taking place all month long around the city to mark the 45th anniversary of the day set aside to focus on the environment.
For our special Green Issue, we’ve rounded up a list of Earth Day events, parties, clean-ups and activities the whole family can get involved in. We’ve also got some recommendations on local green organizations that need volunteers year-round.
EarthShare of Georgia:?The nonprofit that raises funds for state environmental organizations is hosting three big events for Earth Day 2015. For more information, visit earthsharega.org.
- Corporate Green Day Challenge
This year’s event will be held April 11, 9 a.m. at various project sites. This day offers an opportunity for employees of Earth Day event sponsors to experience first-hand the work of EarthShare’s environmental member organizations and area parks that “do green” every day in caring for our air, land and water. The winning team of the Corporate Green Day Challenge will be announced at the Leadership Breakfast.
- 13th Annual Leadership Breakfast
Each year, EarthShare of Georgia honors and recognizes its outstanding community partner, campaign champion, member organization and the winning Corporate Green Day Challenge company team. This year’s breakfast is April 17, 8-10 a.m. in the Grand Atrium of 200 Peachtree. Registration at earthsharega.org/earth-day/tickets/.
- 20th Annual Earth Day Party
The party will be held April 22, 7 p.m. at The Garden at Community Smith (rooftop of the Renaissance Midtown Hotel). Guests will enjoy music, an eco-silent auction and a locally sourced menu created by Chef Micah Willix. The open-air rooftop terrace features an herb garden and lemon trees. Tickets are available online at earthsharega.org/earth-day/tickets/.
Perennial Wildflower and Vine Sale: Trees Atlanta will host the third annual event on April 18 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain or shine) at its headquarters, 225 Chester Ave. The sale will feature more than 1,800 native, pollinator-friendly species like milkweed, native Lilies, Aster, Solidago, and Jack in the Pulpit, as well as multiple species of vines, ferns, and grasses. All proceeds from this plant sale will benefit the nonprofit’s youth education programs. For more information, visit treesatlanta.org.
Back To Your Roots Farm Fair: This fun event is April 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children (under 2 get in free). There will be plenty of hands-on activities, games, a plant sale, composting and natural dye demonstrations, farm animal visits from The Art Barn, exploring the Unity Garden, music by Farmer Jason and much more. For more information: chattnaturecenter.org.
Sweep the Hooch: Chattahoochee Riverkeeper will conduct its 5th annual Sweep the Hooch on April 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cleanup will include 30 sites with more than 500 volunteers expected. Last year, 580 volunteers removed 7.275 tons of river refuse with more than half ton of trash recycled. To register, visit sweepthehooch.org.
Georgia Tech’s Earth Day Celebration: The 19th annual event is set for April 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tech Walk. The event is free, open to the public and features more than 70 exhibitors. There will also be eco-friendly giveaways, recycling opportunities, a clothing swap, an office supply exchange, live music, and more. For more information visit earthday.gatech.edu.
Decatur Earth Day Festival: The event will be April 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Wylde Center at the corner of Oakview and South McDonough. The festival is gnome-themed this year and will a costume parade, bike ride, yoga, arts and crafts for kids, live music, reptile exhibit and more. For details visit wyldecenter.org.
The Hoochie: The Nature Conservancy’s 21st annual gathering will be held April 24 from 7 p.m. to midnight at Tophat Soccer Field. There will a curated art experience, live performances, gourmet food and a silent auction. Tickets are $125 each. The annual event has raised more than $4 million for The Nature Conservancy since it began. For more information, visit nature.org/hoochie.
Get Involved
Piedmont Park: The Piedmont Park Conservancy has numerous volunteer opportunities, including working to cleanup the park, becoming a park docent, volunteering at the seasonal Green Market and with the Dog Park Patrol. Information: piedmontpark.org.
Park Pride: The nonprofit is looking for seasonal volunteers to help with park cleanups and greenspace maintenance. Information: parkpride.org.
Trees Atlanta: Most volunteer opportunities are on Saturday mornings, 9 a.m. until noon year-round. Please bring gloves and a bottle of water. Trees Atlanta provides all tools and instruction. There are also some weekday needs at the organization’s headquarters. Information: treesatlanta.org.
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper: From working all day at a festival, to assisting with river clean-ups, to helping out for a few hours in the office, there’s something available for everyone. Information: ucriverkeeper.com/volunteer.
Wylde Center: The Wylde Center has weekly volunteer opportunities at the gardens it manages around the city including Oakhurst Garden in Decatur, Sugar Creek Garden in East Lake, Hawk Hollow and Edgewood Community Learning Garden. Inforation: wyldecenter.org.