In honor of Earth Day on April 22, N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources sites have some great events planned throughout April.
Earth Day is meant to increase awareness of the planet we live on, and encourage people to learn more about pollution, climate change, endangered species, and other environmental issues.
This year’s theme is “Restore Our Earth.”
Many programs will be virtual due to the pandemic. But if you’re looking to celebrate Earth Day outdoors, Parks and Trails for Health (PATH) is a new initiative designed to encourage physical activity in North Carolina’s parks, greenways, and other outdoor spaces. PATH encourages physical activity and promotes diverse experiences around the state.
The popular #NCEarthDay social media photo challenge is back starting April 12. Get outdoors with #NCPATH and join us as we count down to Earth Day with a daily photo challenge. Post a picture a day using the hashtag #NCEarthDay.
Earth Day observances
April 19-24. N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. Triangle SciTech Expo 2021. Join the museum for six days of fun, interactive, virtual programming! This unique event assembles scientists and technical professionals from universities, organizations and industry to engage visitors of all ages in the excitement of science and technology. Experts, researchers, and specialists developing new technologies will engage with participants; programs are designed for all ages and stages of learning, and families are encouraged to attend.
April 14, noon. N.C. Museum of History. History @ High Noon: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Presenter: Amanda Astor, Community Relations Specialist, Solid Waste Services Department, City of Raleigh. Virtual program. Get a jump on Earth Day 2021 — the 51st anniversary of the world’s largest environmental movement — by learning the variety of recycling programs offered by the City of Raleigh. The city’s efforts support economic development and protect our environment by extending the life of landfills and helping reduce pollution. Register here for this online event.
April 19-23. North Carolina Zoo. Party for the Planet-Virtual Earth Day. Party for the Planet and discover new and fun ways to celebrate Mother Nature and to learn more about ways that you can make a difference through water conservation, protecting green spaces, and living the green life with the 3 R's. Capacity at the zoo is limited and reservations are required.
April 16-25. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Race for the Planet. The aquarium will host the 2021 Race for the Planet with two options for participation. The virtual race can be run from anywhere, at any time April 16-25 with three different distances of 5K, 10K or 13.1 miles. Some spots remain for the in-person 5K on April 18. It’s more than a race, it’s a movement to make a difference for you, for the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and for the planet. This annual event raises fund for green initiatives at the aquarium. Registration at http://www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher-race-for-the-planet.
April 17, 9 a.m.–noon. Museum of the Albemarle. Join us in celebrating by wearing something green and learning what you can do to help our planet — not just on Earth Day but every day! Receive a Take-and-Make activity packet, watch a children’s conservation film, and tour the exhibit, The Day the Lights Came On. To attend the in-person educational program, visitors must RSVP by April 14, 2021. Request Take-and-Make packets by emailing charlotte.patterson@ncdcr.gov.
April 22, 8:30 p.m. N.C. Museum of Art. Earth Day Outdoor Movie: “Leaning into the Wind” by Andy Goldsworthy. Celebrate Earth Day with a movie under the stars that conveys the powerful intersection of art and nature. “Leaning into the Wind” (PG, 2017) is a documentary about British sculptor, photographer, and environmentalist Andy Goldsworthy, who produces astonishing site-specific sculptures in natural and urban settings. Tickets must be obtained in advance. Free registration for tickets required at https://visit.ncartmuseum.org/2319/3140.