Earth Day explained and where you can celebrate in North Texas this weekend
Calling all environmental fans! Earth Day is this Friday.
Since 1970, every April 22 has been marked as Earth Day, an annual day to show support for environmental activism and protection. Although it’s not a national or federal holiday, many Americans celebrate the day and share ways to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Americans shared concerns about air pollution and the deteriorating environment in the country, leading up to the first Earth Day in 1970. Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson along with activist Denis Hayes organized the first Earth Day as a way to bring environmental protection to the mainstream.
The growing conversation around the environment was fuel for Earth Day, inspiring about 20 million Americans to advocate against harmful pollution, according to the organization’s history. The day was a success and later that year the Environmental Protection Agency was formed, along with green thumb friendly legislation passing.
There are plenty of ways to celebrate Earth Day in North Texas this weekend:
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Come on down to the museum to learn about decomposers and pollinators, the best way to plant seeds and see the Earth from space thanks to a new NASA kiosk.
There’s also a members-only workshop where guests can harness the power of the sun by making solar ovens. Register here for the members-only workshop. Other than that the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday at 1600 Gendy St.
Fort Worth Public Library
There are a plethora of events scheduled for Thursday and Friday, from learning how to plant a seed to recycling T-shirts into bags. Environmental fans can also make their own homemade terrariums and make recycled crafts.
- The seed activity is at the Wedgewood Library, 3816 Kimberly Lane, on Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. and on Friday at the Central Library, 500 W. Third St., from 4 to 5 p.m.
- The recycled T-shirt activity is at the Northwest Library, 6228 Crystal Lake Drive, on Friday. Make sure to bring your own shirt.
- Making your own terrarium is at the Central Library, 500 W. Third St., from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday. The event is free but registration is required — to do so call 817-392-7323.
- There will be an Earth Day celebration at the Ridglea Library, 3628 Bernie Anderson Ave., on Friday from 4 to 5 p.m.
Tarrant County College
TCC’s Northwest and South campuses are hosting separate Earth Day events on Thursday and Friday.
The Northwest campus will have a fun run, disc golf tournament and art contest, while the South campus offers free food, activities and giveaways. The Northwest event is at 4801 Marine Creek Parkway from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the South event at 5301 Campus Drive from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
University of Texas at Arlington
UTA students looking to get their hands dirty can do so this Saturday at Randol Mill Park.
Volunteers will be helping with trash pickup, greenhouse work and planting trees, as a cap to the College of Science’s science week. Randol Mill Park is located at 1901 W. Randol Mill Road. Check-in for the event is at 8 a.m. with work taking place from 9 a.m. to noon.
Earthx2022
The Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center is hosting Earthx2022 in Dallas this weekend.
The annual conference offers patrons a chance to shop from vendors or hear from environmental activists. The exhibit is located at 650 S. Griffin St. and open on Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
