Earth Day 2006
Events and Activities
The 36th annual observance of "Earth Day", a celebration to raise awareness of the Earth and it's resources, will be held on April 22, 2006.
The Origins of Earth Day
In 1970 there were two groups who celebrated the first "Earth Day", although on different dates. Senator Gaylord Nelson campaigned for environmental issues for years before organizing a "teach-in" on April 22, 1970 modeled after war demonstrators' "sit-ins." The grass roots effort turned into a national demonstration on behalf of the environment. "Wire services carried the story from coast to coast. The response was electric. It took off like gangbusters. Telegrams, letters, and telephone inquiries poured in from all across the country. The American people finally had a forum to express its concern about what was happening to the land, rivers, lakes, and air - and they did so with spectacular exuberance," commented the Senator after the event.
At the same time another early environmental activist, John McConnell convinced the Mayor of San Francisco to declare March 21st be recognized as Earth Day. March 21st is the vernal equinox (the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere).
Most people celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, and there is much debate between the two groups over who really founded Earth Day. Regardless of who gets credit, all did so for the same reasons- to create awareness of environmental problems in the political and cultural mainstreams.
Take part in some type of Earth Day event this year, or create your own celebration.
Events are listed in order of date.
| May 12 and 13, 2006 |
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Chesterfield Environmental Fair 2006 Chesterfield County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall (across from L.C. Bird High School)
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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The fair will include environmental education booths provided by Chesterfield County departments and businesses which will represent their role in being responsible protectors of the environment. Volunteer Rewards and Recognition Ceremony will be held on Friday and an electronics collection will be held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Chesterfield County Waste and Resource Recovery Division website or check out the flyer.
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| Saturday April 29, 2006 |
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Richmond Arbor Day 5K Run/Walk
and Environmental FestivalBryan Park
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The race starts at 8:00 a.m. and the cost is $15. Post-race activities are free and include a tree climbing demonstration, a tree planting in the park and activities for children. Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Forestry and the Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation. Contact Lisa Krajewski at 328-3031 or lisa.krajewski@dof.virginia.gov. |
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Chesterfield DaysPocahontas State Park Nature Center
Saturday April 29
2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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Enjoy the park’s miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails, many picnic areas and playground. Get information on summer events and enjoy nature programs, games, guided hikes, and visit the nature center and Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. For more information visit the Pocahontas State Park website. |
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| Saturday April 22, 2006 |
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Children’s Garden Spring FlingLewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Saturday April 22: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sunday April 23: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
Treat your family to music and entertainment in the Children’s Garden. Make paper, learn about composting, and see how trash was converted to hands-on fun in the new Soundscapes exhibit! Visit the Lewis Ginter website for more information.
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Conservation CampfirePocahontas State Park
7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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Gather ‘round the campfire to celebrate Earth Day. Make recycled product crafts, play fun nature games and sing good old fashioned campfire songs. Marshmallows to follow. Registration required. For more information visit the Pocahontas State Park website.
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3rd Annual Hanover Earth Day Celebration9:00 am to 3 pm |
A variety of activities are planned for all ages. Children can enjoy a moonwalk, clowns, face painting, coloring contests, and much more. There will be numerous exhibits from local vendors and organizations. Sponsored by Hanover Recycling and Hanover Cooperative Extension.
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Henrico Earth DayOsborne Park
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Litter “pick-up” races, recycling games, the county Bookmobile, live entertainment, arts and crafts. Arts and crafts courtesy of Keep Henrico Beautiful. Sponsored by the Recreation and Parks Department. For more information, visit the Henrico County Parks and Rec Department website.
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Richmond Earth Day Celebration, Fish Festival and the 2nd Annual Mayor's Walk And Roll
Mayo Bridge/14th Street
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Richmonders are encouraged to get out of their cars and bike, canoe, kayak, walk or roll to the event. Enjoy music, food, art, dance, exhibits, earth-friendly goods, and plenty of activities! Visit the Earth Day Richmond website for additional information.
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