Earth Day

Earth Day, the global event celebrated annually on April 22, is right around the corner. More than just a date on the calendar, Earth Day serves as a reminder that the small, everyday actions can make a lasting impact on the health of our planet.

Earth Day is dedicated to environmental protection and awareness.

First organized in 1970 as a protest against pollution, it has grown to engage more than 1 billion people in nearly 200 countries through activities such as cleaning up neighborhoods, planting trees and promoting sustainability. It also serves as an opportunity to teach younger generations the importance of caring for the planet.

The official Earth Day website offers a variety of resources on how individuals can make an impact. More information can be found at earthday.org.

Will Larson, a freshman at North Dakota State University, said, “I have witnessed firsthand how Earth Day has exposed people to the outdoors.” Larson participated in a cleanup through one of his high school classes in his hometown.

“I never realized how much trash you find outside until I went to clean up for Earth Day,” he said. “I now cannot walk past a piece of trash without feeling the urge to pick it up.”

Several events in the Fargo-Moorhead area are offering fun and meaningful ways to celebrate Earth Day this year.

Restore Moorhead will host an Earth Week Cleanup from April 19-25, beginning at 10 a.m. Volunteers can adopt an area to clean, making a direct impact on their community while also having a chance to win a prize pack. More information is available at moorheadmn.gov.

Looking for something interactive? Holland’s will host an Earth Day celebration April 22 featuring a self-guided garden scavenger hunt, pot painting, seed planting and a raffle for a pollinator gift basket. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free to attend, making it a great option for families and friends.

West Acres Mall will also join the celebration with an event in the Aquarium Court, near Crave, at 9:30 a.m. on April 22. Author Tory Christie will read her stories, followed by a hands-on activity for children. To encourage the growth of native wildflowers, Lush will also be making “seed bombs” for customers to plant into greenery areas at home.

For those who enjoy crafts, the Dr. James Carlson Library will host an Earth Day event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on April 22. Participants can create beeswax food wraps or pinecone bird feeders, offering easy, eco-friendly projects to try at home. All materials will be provided, and the event is free and open to all ages.

The Red River Zoo will wrap up the week with its “Party for the Planet” event April 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can explore activity stations, attend educational presentations and enjoy environmental demonstrations. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $12.95 for children ages 2-14 and $13.95 for seniors. Zoo members receive free admission to this event, and do not need to pre-purchase tickets in advance.

Whether it’s picking up litter, attending a local event or making small changes at home, Earth Day is a chance for everyone to take part in protecting the environment and building a more sustainable future.