Earth Day is this Saturday, and Seattle is sure to be an explosion of energy.
The annual celebration is all about paying respects to our natural environment and learning about Earth sciences. This year’s focus is on climate and environment literacy.
It’s a great excuse to roll up your sleeves and do some volunteering or take the whole family out to learn about the natural world around us. Celebrations, volunteer events and educational activities are happening all across the Seattle area, and we’ve compiled a list of some of the most fun and impactful events for people to get involved.
Keep reading for our list, and check out the GeekWire Community Calendar for more tech, science and geeky events in the Pacific Northwest.
SCA Earth Day in Seattle, WA
What: Join the Student Conservation Association for a day of weeding, mulching and learning about local plant life. Volunteers will help preserve and restore areas of the Washington Park Arboretum through removing invasive species, maintaining trails and more. Best for older learners and adults. Check out all the details on how to take part here.
When: April 22, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Washington Park Arboretum
Register: Registration and more information here.
Bee Sweet to the Earth!
What: Woodinville’s 21 Acres Center is all about bees this Earth Day with a whole host of family-friendly activities, crafts and hands-on lessons about nature. The focus is on learning about our connection to local agriculture and food systems, but free honey tastings and scavenger hunts can’t hurt!
When: April 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: 21 Acres Center, Woodinville, Wash.
Register: Just show up! More details here.
Duwamish Alive West Seattle
What: This local restoration project is giving the Duwamish watershed some TLC this earth day. Join Duwamish alive, a local Earth Corps member, to restore the Pigeon Point Park area in West Seattle. Volunteers under 14 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Get all the details on taking part here.
When: April 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Pigeon Point Park
Register: Registration and more info here.
March For Science – Seattle
What: If you’re looking for a different way to get involved this Earth Day, the March for Science is a great option to show support for government-sponsored science research and scientific policy. The march kicks off at Cal Anderson Park and will make its way to Seattle Center.
When: April 22, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Cal Anderson Park to Seattle Center
Register: No registration necessary, more details here.
Edible City Science Fair
What: This event is for everyone hungry for some learning — and locally grown food, of course. Hear from community groups from all across Washington State about the latest innovations in food science and get hands-on with food, farming and sustainability.
When: April 22, 10 a.m. – 4 pm
Where: MOHAI
Register: More information, including tickets for MOHAI, here.
Dig In! Science In Our Backyard
What: It’s a weekend-long Earth extravaganza at the Pacific Science Center, with demonstrations, conversations and hands-on interactive experiences about the earth, the environment, archaeology, and paleontology. Whether its learning how plants grow or where to dig up old dino bones, they’ve got you covered.
When: April 21 – 23
Where: Pacific Science Center
Register: More info, including tickets for the Pacific Science Center, here.
Earth Day Storytelling – New Horizons
What: Enjoy stories and music about the Earth and our connection to it at this collaboration between Seattle’s Duwamish tribe and the Seattle Storytellers Guild. Featuring native flute player and storyteller Paul Che oke, from the Vancouver Island Saanich tribe; Tom Rawson, storyteller and banjo player extraordinare from Seattle; and Harvest Moon, storyteller and cultural ambassador of the Quinault tribe.
When: April 23, 2 – 4 p.m.
Where: Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center
Register: Registration and more info here.