Do you want to do your part to keep our planet thriving and long-lasting besides just using a reusable water bottle? Take this Earth Day to enjoy yourself while learning about sustainability practices and even lending a helping hand to green organizations in Pittsburgh. Whether you’re a seasoned “eco-warrior” or just looking for a family-activity activity to teach your kids about the planet, the next two weeks are waiting to ignite your passion for a sustainable, greener future.
Wild Earth Day Festival
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, April 20
What better place to celebrate Earth Day than the zoo with its plethora of wildlife and greenery. Head to the Water’s Edge Pavilion for live music, art exhibitions, and plenty of information on how you can make the Earth a better place. You’ll even get to meet the representatives of Pittsburgh’s green organizations like 412 Food Rescue and Barrels by the Bay.
Earth Month Forest Bathing Series
Frick Environmental Center, Tuesdays in April
Take 90-minutes to soak in the atmosphere of the Earth and forestry at the Frick Environmental Center. Find your own ways to connect with nature through your senses, taking in sights, smells, and much more. The instructors note there is no proper way to forest bathe, as long as you’re feeling the energy, that’s all that matters.
Nature in Your Neighborhood: Mushrooms of Beltzhoover
Upper McKinley Park, April 20
Get in the Earth Day spirit with a nature walk featuring WPMC Mycologist Stephen Bucklin. Let Bucklin lead you through the trails as you pick up litter on your way. Besides giving the Earth a helping hand, you’ll also learn to point out local varieties of wild mushrooms growing throughout the city.
Regent Square Earth Day Celebration
Meet in Regent Square, April 20
Regent Square Civic Association, Tree Pittsburgh, UpstreamPgh, and 3 Rivers Outdoor Co team up to provide simple volunteer opportunities to clean up our area. Choose from UpstreamPgh’s Spring Stream Sweep, Tree Pittsburgh’s Tree Care & Litter Clean Up, or Trail Pittsburgh’s Frick Park Trail Improvements to do your part this Earth Day.
Earth Day Stewardship Hike
Tropical Park in Beechview, April 21
Venture Outdoors and Pretty Up Beechview want to make sure your day of service is well spent with a special adventure. After walking around and cleaning up Tropical Park, you’ll get to see one of Pittsburgh’s hidden gems, Seldom Seen Greenway. Many don’t know this park on the edge of Beechview and Mount Washington, making it the perfect place for spotting local wildlife.
Earth Day Celebration
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens , April 21
Join the Phipps community in their historic glasshouse for family-friendly activities that examine the Earth and ways of sustainability. Write hope notes for a greener future, play a recycling game, explore the biodiversity of the city, hear Earth tales from PGH Party Creations, and even take home your own pollinator-friendly plant.
Earth Day Reiki + Sound Bath
Evolutionary Minded Wellness, April 22
Align your energy with the Earth’s vibration to help connect deeper with your inner self. Start with the sonic healing of Alchemical crystal sound bowls, drums, harmonic chimes, and other natural instruments to prepare the environment. Then, experience healing Reiki to help clear out blockages, balance your chakras, and truly become one with the Earth.
Earth Day System Tours
Pittsburgh International Airport, April 22
The Ecotone Renewables team features some of their sustainable systems to the public for a fun, educational experience. Check out their ZEUS digesters which convert food waste into renewable energy and plant fertilizer. See the machine in action and learn how it works to protect the planet and create less waste.
PDP Night Market Goes Green
Market Square, April 26
Explore downtown “after hours” at the annual Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Earth Day Night Market. Shop and learn from local, independent green vendors while snacking on healthy bites from various food trucks. The whole night will be set to music by Byron Nash and Jaquea Mae then by Orange Music.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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