Earth Day: Zoo Celebrations, Volunteer to Clean your Local Park

Earth Day was created by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet, as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water and soil pollution.

Every year, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. 

What can you do to celebrate this year?

Detroit Zoo

The will host its annual Earth Day celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21.

The Zoo-wide event is dedicated to celebrating wildlife and educating zoo visitors about environmental conservation.

Earth Day will feature earth-friendly crafts, an endangered species scavenger hunt, a 30-foot rock climbing wall (weather permitting), family yoga classes, animal enrichment and zookeeper talks. Live entertainment will include a hands-on drumming performance and children’s music.

A Green Games Gallery will be hosted by the Detroit Zoological Society’s Green Team conservation group, including games using recycled materials, storytelling and educational displays.

The event will also include hands-on science experiments by the University of Detroit Chemistry Club, composting demonstrations by the Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA) and exhibits by local conservation groups. All Earth Day activities are free with Zoo admission.

Stony Creek Spring Cleanup

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks are looking for volunteers to participate in the annual spring cleanups April 21. Volunteers are needed at Indian Springs, Kensington, Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, Oakwoods, Stony Creek and Wolcott Mill Metroparks.

Most cleanup events last a half-day, and a complimentary lunch is provided to helpers who register in advance. Park admission is free to volunteers.

The cleanup will be from 9 a.m. to 11:30 am, with registration from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Eastwood Beach  Preregistration required by April 15. Call 586-781-4242 or 586-781-9113 to register.

Earth Day Acts Around the Globe

To find more local Earth Day events, and even around the world, visit www.earthday.org.