In this roundup of Earth Day celebrations, you’ll find plenty of ways to show your love for Mother Earth, from stream cleanups to eco-friendly festivals to educational activities. Here are some family-friendly events that take place all month long.
Earth Day at Herring Run Nursery
Saturday, April 20
This year, celebrate Earth Day with a community festival and learn about why native plants and diverse ecosystems are so crucial for the health of our planet. This event is hosted by Herring Run Nursery and Blue Water Baltimore. 6131 Hillen Road, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. bluewaterbaltimore
Earth Day Puppet Theater
Saturday, April 20
In honor of Earth Day, grab the kids and join an interactive puppet show about the Lorax, a Dr. Seuss character who speaks for the trees. Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, 10– 10:45 a.m. $5. howardcountymd.gov/Robinson
Celebrate Earth Day with Books
Monday, April 22
Listen to the story, “Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea” by Elizabeth Suneby. Learn about the Earth, and imagine how you can make the world a better place. Enoch Pratt Free Library, Patterson Park Branch, 158 N. Linwood Ave., 2-3 p.m. prattlibrary.org
National Aquarium Earth Day Celebration
Monday, April 22
This Earth Day, the National Aquarium is celebrating the planet and the millions of species who call it home with a day full of interactive and educational activities and games, all designed to teach the vital role biodiversity plays in keeping our ecosystems healthy. All Earth day activities are included with Aquarium admission. National Aquarium, 10-2 p.m., aqua.org.
2019 Earth Day Race
Monday, April 22
For those that want to get fit for a worldly cause, the third annual Earth Day 5K & 10K are a great choice. At least 15 percent of every registration goes to Wild Earth Allies, an organization whose mission is to protect vital areas of the natural world for the benefit of wildlife, habitats and people by inspiring collaborative action. Participants run on their own, pacing themselves and logging and tracking their times online. They also get a commemorative earth medal at the end of their virtual race. Times vary, tickets start at $20. virtualrunevent.com
Earth Day Symposium
Friday, April 26
This annual affair, sponsored jointly by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Department of Physics and the Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology highlights local Earth science research from NASA, NOAA, higher education and other private sector affiliates. After presentations and educational outreach, audiences can watch a live weather balloon launch. UMBC, 1000 Hilltop Circle, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free, eds.umbc.edu
Severna Park Earth Day Festival
Saturday, April 27
This festival aims to both educate and engage the community in a fun and notable day of celebration. There will be interactive exercises for children, as well as materials and information for homeowners striving to increase their understanding and make some eco-friendly adjustments in their homes. Free. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Severna Park High School. earthdayfestivalsp.org
GreenFest
Sunday, April 28
At this annual fest, guests can enjoy live music and dance performances, food trucks, face painting for the kids, educational workshops and more. Free. Brookside Gardens, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. montgomerycountygreenfest.org
