April 2026: Earth Day

4/22/2026 12:00:00 AM

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” — Native American Proverb

READ — Authors to Know

Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore by Elizabeth Rush

Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore by Elizabeth Rush

Rush is an American non-fiction author best known for her books The Quickening: Antarctica, Motherhood, and Cultivating Hope in a Warming World and Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore, the latter of which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. She is known for her environmental non-fiction writing.

The Ends of the World by Peter Brannen

The Ends of the World: Volcanic Apocalypses, Lethal Oceans, and Our Quest to Understand Earth’s Past Mass Extinctions by Peter Brannen

Peter Brannen is an award-winning science journalist known for his insightful writing on climate change, geology, and the history of life on Earth.

How to Give Up Plastic: A Guide to Changing the World, One Plastic Bottle at a Time by Will McCallum

Will McCallum is an environmental activist and the Head of Oceans at Greenpeace UK. He has been actively involved in the anti-plastics movement, advocating for the protection of marine ecosystems from plastic pollution.

WATCH

The Lorax (2012) follows 12-year-old Ted as he ventures beyond his artificial hometown to learn what happened to the trees, uncovering the tale of the Lorax, guardian of the forest, and the Once-ler’s environmental mistakes. Filled with colorful animation, humor, catchy songs, and an eco-friendly message, it’s a family-friendly adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic.

The 11th Hour is a 2007 documentary narrated and co-produced by Leonardo DiCaprio that examines humanity’s impact on the environment, from climate change and deforestation to mass species extinction and ocean depletion. Featuring insights from over 50 experts, it warns that we are nearing an ecological tipping point and calls for urgent, transformative action. Well-researched and thought-provoking, it’s praised for its informative content and hopeful solutions, though some critique its dense pace.

Wings of Life (2013) Narrated by Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world’s food supply depends on these incredible–and increasingly threatened–creatures.

LISTEN

Living on Earth Hosted by Steve Curwood

As the planet we call home faces a climate emergency, Living on Earth is your go-to source for the latest coverage of climate change, ecology, and human health.

Climate One Co-Hosted by Greg Dalton and Ariana Brocious

We’re living through a climate emergency; addressing this crisis begins by talking about it. Co-Hosts Greg Dalton and Ariana Brocious bring you empowering conversations that connect all aspects of the challenge — the scary and the exciting, the individual and the systemic.

Living Planet Hosted by Kathleen Schuster

Looking to reconnect with nature? Want to make better decisions for the health of the planet? Every Friday, Living Planet brings you the stories, facts, and debates on the key environmental issues of our time.

EXPERIENCE — Local Events

New York

2026 City Nature Challenge

Become a community scientist by capturing observations of biodiversity from April 24 - 27, 2026, using the iNaturalist app. Join the iNaturalist project for your city or area, and head outside to snap photos of plants, fungi and wildlife.
All day, April 24 – 27

Earth Day Festival

Spring is blooming at the annual, free Randall’s Island Earth Day Festival at Randall’s Island Park! Following Earth Week, join this family-friendly day packed with seasonal fun and hands-on activities. Play games, get creative with nature-inspired crafts, snap photos beneath the beautiful cherry blossoms, enjoy live performances, and soak up the park’s springtime magic. Come celebrate sustainability, community, and our shared connection to the planet.
Saturday, April 25th, 12PM – 3PM · Randall’s Island Park, Urban Farm + Fields 62/63 · 20 Randall’s Island Park, New York, New York 10035

Earth Day Barnyard Bash at Tanger Outlets Deer Park

Join us for a FREE family friendly day of learning, adventure, and hands on nature fun! Enjoy activities that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and inspire kids to care for our planet.
Saturday, April 25, 1PM – 3PM · Tanger Outlets Deer Park

Super Family Saturday: Artful Earth at the Nassau County Museum of Art

Celebrate Earth Day by immersing yourself in the wonders of spring at the Nassau County Museum of Art with Artful Earth, a joyful afternoon of creativity, discovery, and connection with nature. Explore the grounds on a guided nature walk, meet fascinating local wildlife up close, and try your hand at interactive outdoor art projects. Families can dive into eco-friendly STEAM activities, build their own rain gardens, take part in a nature-inspired photo treasure hunt, or enjoy a guided bird walk. Artful Earth is a celebration of imagination, curiosity, and the beauty of the natural world—perfect for artists, nature enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages.
Saturday, April 25, 1PM – 4PM · Nassau County Museum of Art

Seattle

Beer Sheva Park Earth Day Community Restoration

Join us this Earth Day to give back to our environment and strengthen our community. Volunteers will work together to remove invasive plants, clean up the park, and spread mulch to support healthy soil and tree growth. This hands-on event is a great opportunity to protect our local ecosystem, learn about environmental stewardship, and make a lasting impact.
Wednesday, April 22, 10AM – 1PM · Beersheva Park

North Genesee Forest Restoration

Celebrate Earth Day at Genesee Park! We’ll be pulling English Ivy and protecting new baby plants with mulch as we enjoy the smells of Spring and the return of warmer weather. All are welcome--bring the kids, of course!
April 25, 2026, 10AM – 12:30PM · Genesee Park and Playfield

Spring Plant Sale at Washington Park Arboretum

Add new life and beauty to your home by buying trees, shrubs, and perennials at our volunteer-run Cloney-Harris Plant Nursery and Pat Calvert Greenhouse.
Sunday, April 26, 10AM – 2PM · Washington Park Arboretum

Minneapolis

Inside the AI Hub: Earth, Energy, and Accountability

Grab some coffee and a donut while you learn how AI is being used for environmental research, ask the tough questions about energy and water use, and share your ideas for building technology that respects our planet.
Wednesday, April 22, 8:30AM – 12PM · University of Minnesota, Walter Library, Room 101

Spring into Gardening at JD Rivers’

Bring the family to enjoy time in a produce garden in Theodore Wirth Park during Spring into Gardening at JD Rivers’. Do an art project, sow seeds, help with garden chores, and explore the garden. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, April 25, 10AM – 12PM · JD Rivers’ Children’s Garden · 2900 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405

Arbor Day Celebration

Celebrate Arbor Day at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum! Join us for a day of discovery, nature and creativity as we honor the beauty and importance of trees with a series of exciting activities and events. Whether you’re a nature lover, a family looking for fun or an art enthusiast, we’ve curated an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Saturday, April 25th, 10AM – 2PM · University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

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