By La’Niya Jones
Many people celebrate Earth Day to honor the environmental movement, to show support, and raise awareness for the need to protect the Earth. Celebrate at these local events.
Earth Day was created in the spring of 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson. During this time, there were no laws to protect the environment, so Nelson used this day to bring the issues to national attention.
In December of 1970, Congress approved the creation of a federal agency to take care of environmental issues, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And so began Earth Day.
Earth Day is a great reason to give back to the planet that gives everyone so much.
Bay City Earth Day celebration
Please join the Bay City community for an Earth Day celebration on April 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 2900 North Water Street to recycle unused items. Items can include phones, refrigerators, tires, cardboard, plastic bags, and much more. Customers will be limited to four boxes. During the recycling drop-off, the Bay City Electric Light and Power Clean Energy Program will be giving away tote bags, while supplies last, filled with items that can help the environment.
Chippewa Nature Center
Join the Chippewa Nature Center for Exotic Invasive Plants 101 on April 22 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at 400 South Badour Road. Guests will learn about invasive plants and will go on a 1-mile walk and pull any invasive plants they come across. The program will start at the Lanigan Pavilion at the Homestead Road turnaround. Please bring gardening gloves as the CNC has a limited supply.
Join the Chippewa Nature Center for Reptiles of Michigan on April 22 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at 400 South Badour Road to learn about the different reptiles that live in Michigan and how they adapt. Guests will also be able to meet a few of the CNC’s live animal ambassadors. This free event is open to the public, but minors will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Join the Chippewa Nature Center for Citizen Science on April 22 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 400 South Badour Road to contribute to a science project hosted by Michigan State University’s Michigan Natural Features Inventory program. One of CNC’s ponds will be surveyed to see what is living inside and around it. This free event is open to the public, but minors will need to be accompanied by an adult. CNC recommends that guests bring waterproof shoes.
First Metaphysical Church
Join the First Metaphysical Church for Garbage Gardening on April 22 at 1:00 p.m. at 8267 East Atherton Road to learn about how to reduce, reuse, and upcycle things around your house. You will be able to learn how to take care of your garden by making use of “trash.” This $10 event is open to the public.
Gladwin County Master Gardeners
The Gladwin County Master Gardeners groups will be hosting “Invest in Our Planet” on April 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Gladwin High School, 1400 North Spring Street. This free event will include six educational speakers in three classes at 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. Vendors will also be present, and there will be giveaways. Families will be able to take home a free sapling while supplies last.
Earth Day Action Expo
Head down to the Earth Day Action Expo at HH Dow High School, 3901 North Saginaw Road, on April 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free event will include activities for all ages, like hands-on science, art, and ecology-focused activities. There will also be food trucks and giveaways throughout. The 2023 Chemists Celebrate Earth Week theme is The Curious Chemistry of Amazing Algae.
