fbpx

Your Guide to Earth Day: 15 Things To Do For Earth Day in Philadelphia

The theme of Earth Day 2021 is “Together, We Can Restore Our Earth, ” and we couldn’t agree more with the sentiment behind it. While there are many ways to participate in Earth Day, by coming together with a common goal we can collectively contribute to making our city more sustainable and beautiful. This year consider participating in one of the many educational, cultural and communal activities happening all over Philadelphia. Read on for a list of 15 activities happening throughout the city for Earth Day this year. 

Fishtown Earth Day Celebration  – April 24, 9am-12pm

The Fishtown Neighbors Association is hosting a clean-up, “Kindness Rocks Art Project”, Spring “Seed-Bomb” Scavenger Hunt, and Mindfulness Sessions at the Fishtown Rec Center. They will also have a few Solo recycling bins on hand for residents to take home! Pre-register online for each activity.

Learn from the Lenape – April 22, 3-5 pm 

Hike in the Wissahickon Valley Park to the 15-foot high marble statue of Native American Lenape leader Teedyuscung which dates back to 1902. A member of Friends of the Wissahickon will lead a discussion on the land ethnic of the Lenape. Meet at Forbidden Drive & Bells Mill Road.

Virtual Cooking Class – April 21 – 2:30-3:30pm

Join 12th Street Catering for a virtual cooking class featuring a fully vegetarian menu to celebrate Earth Day. Attendees will be guided with live video instruction from executive chef Adam DeLosso of Jose Garces Restaurant Group during this one-hour event. Register here: https://12th-street-catering-virtual-cooking-classes.square.site/

Academy of Natural Sciences – April 23-25, 10 am — 5 pm

In celebration of Earth Day, families are invited to visit the museum and learn about ways to conserve resources to help animals’ habitats. Take home a craft kit to make a useful item out of recycled materials.

Grow Clean Water – April 24 – 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

Rodale Institute, a leader in organic farming, invites families to meet at the Viaduct, a “secret garden” under Philadelphia’s Reading Viaduct Rail Park. Learn about growing and planting seedlings, create art and explore a worm bin. 

Ask the Experts – Sustainable Home Gardening – April 22 – 7-8pm

Landscape architect Rob Fleming and landscape designer Christopher Sohnly will present environmentally diverse design, planting, restoration, and maintenance practices to add value and diversity to your garden. Co-sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Conservancy and Chestnut Hill Community Association. Free but registration is required. Contact info@chconservancy.org

Outdoor Movie at Drexel – April 22 – 9 pm

Watch the Disney movie “Earth,” a global journey about the impact of climate change on animals. Race Hall Lawn, 3300 Race St. Hosted by Drexel University’s Campus Activities Board.  Bring a lawn chair, blanket and popcorn. Everyone is welcome.

Griot Tale Storytelling – April 24 – 1 pm – Franklin Square

The African American Museum in Philadelphia is partnering with Franklin Square for a special outdoor Earth Day storytime.  Told by a Griot (an African oral historian), this free and engaging event is perfect for children ages 5-12.

Herb Gardening for Beginners – April 22 – 5-7 pm – 20 N. American St.

Christ Church Neighborhood House hosts an evening in the garden for amateur plant lovers. $25 ticket includes: Herb seedling and seed packets, beginners seed starting booklet, and hot herbal tea for refreshment. Class fee: $25

Earth Day in the Food Forest – April 22 – 1-3 pm – 300 Northwestern Ave.

The Wissahickon Environmental Center invites you to lend a hand as they clear invasive plants from the Philadelphia Orchard Project Food Forest. Tasks include mulching, laying path borders and watering.  Children welcome.

Earth Day Project in Fairmount Park – April 24 – 10 am – 12 noon

Celebrate Earth Week in the forests and meadows of East Fairmount Park. Join Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Audubon Pennsylvania to plant trees and remove invasive vines. All tools and materials will be provided- including work gloves. Age 16 and up.

Naturepalooza – April 24 – 10m – 3 pm 

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education invites you to hike their trails, explore their ponds and learn the importance of native plants. Family friendly activity tables along the way. 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road.

Environmental Justice Earth Day – April 22 – 5-7 pm

Join a socially distanced, peaceful picket line at the SEPTA Midvale Complex. The goal is to shut down SEPTA’s gas plant and to plant thousands of trees around the perimeter of SEPTA’s property and throughout the neighborhood. Meet at Wissahickon Ave. & Roberts Road in East Falls. 

National Geographic Earth Day Eve Celebration – April 21 – 8:30 pm

Performances by artists Willie Nelson, Yo-Yo Ma, and Ziggy Marley, and environmental activists such as Dr. Jane Goodall. You can join at National Graphic.

Earth Day Live: Restore Our Earth – April 22 – Beginning at noon

This live stream event will feature a variety of global celebrities, politicians, and activists from many fields. To take part, visit EarthDay.org on the day of the event.

Whether you choose to plant a tree, clean up a vacant lot, or learn about sustainable gardening you will be helping to heal the planet. Just remember that you don’t have to wait until Earth Day to contribute —  there are lots of simple choices you can make in your everyday life to help reduce waste and lead more sustainable lives.