I was watching an aerial video of Wilmington produced by NüPOINT the other day, showing the stark streets, stores and public spaces of our once bustling city. Talk about all the feels…Each park overview was a particular shot to the heart, as the changing weather brings with it the INtense urge to get out and explore. And with Earth Day on the horizon, I couldn’t help but think about all of the celebrations we’ll be missing out on—the chance to pick up tree seedlings in Rodney Square, explore and educate ourselves on the latest in conservation at Brandywine Zoo, Delaware Nature Society or Delaware Museum of Natural History—what’s Earth Day if we have to spend it INdoors?
On the other hand, our waters have never been clearer or our air cleaner, so perhaps we do have something very special to learn this Earth Day, even if it’s not a traditional one. You’ve been actively working to improve global warming just by staying inside and practicing social distancing…pretty cool, right? Why not take this time to figure out other ways to further help and connect to the planet?
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the theme of climate action couldn’t be more appropriate for the golden jubilee in these strange times. We’ve gathered a few local events and national resources so you can celebrate this day dedicated to environmental protection from the comfort of your couch:
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary’s Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration
Beginning Monday, April 20th, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary will celebrate both Earth Day and Arbor Day by sharing make-a-long crafts, living green activities and a scavenger hunt! Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so you never miss a post.
Living Shoreline Webinar Series
The April INstallment of this web series is happening on the 22nd—DNREC and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary present a FREE webinar on Developing Monitoring PLans for Living Shoreline Projects IN Delaware with Josh Moody, Ph.D. the Restoration Programs Manager for the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.
Earth Day Live w/ Delaware Sierra Club
On Wednesday, April 22nd the Delaware Sierra Club will welcome speakers from around the country as well as Delaware’s own Susan Love, Administrator of DNREC’s Climate and Sustainability Section, who will discuss the relationship between transportation and climate change. A Q&A and the drawing of their E-Bike Raffle will follow!
Nature’s Best Hope Online Lecture Series presented by Delaware Nature Society
Dr. Douglas Tallamy encourages everyone to engage in a new approach to conservation (one that starts in your yard) in his new book, Nature’s Best Hope. DelNature brings this book to life in their new on-line lecture series running Tuesdays from April 28th to May 26th. Cost for the entire series is $75 for members and $95 for non-members.
Mt. Cuba Center
The gorgeous grounds of Mt. Cuba are currently closed to the public but that doesn’t mean you can’t take time to appreciate all they have to offer. Their virtual tours are some of the best we’ve seen…Get a first-person view walking the gardens, dogwood path, meadow, ponds and more, in your choice of spring, summer or fall! Their resources page offers nature INspired crafts and activities, gardening resources and more. You can even watch the episode of PBS’ Growing a Greener World featuring Mt. Cuba staff.
InnerSource Wellness Center’s Earth Day Weekend Celebration
If celebrating your spiritual connection to Mother Earth INterests you, add this virtual weekend of offerings to your calendar. Meditations, rituals, dance parties, spoken word, medicinal plant workshops, cooking demos and more await through Facebook live and Zoom.
National Resources
EarthDay.org
Growing out of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement. Learn more about the history of Earth Day, find a global digital event or tune IN to their Earth Day Live on April 22nd featuring Zac Effron, Dr. Sylvia Earle, John Kerry and more…
Earth Day Live 2020
Organized by the US Climate Strike Coalition and Stop the Money Pipeline Coalition, Earth Day Live is a three-day live stream extravaganza featuring a stacked lineup of celebrities, musicians and comedians focusing on community, economy and political change.
One Earth Film Festival
Enjoy free screenings of earth-conscious films during Chigago’s One Earth Film Fest’s Earth Week Virtual Mini Film Festival. Watch with a community online and then discuss with experts via live chat on Zoom following the flicks! Films INclude Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution, The Biggest Little Farm, The Human Element and more.
EPA Window Artwork for Earth Day
Color the EPA’s print out coloring page, draw pictures, make signs or use recycled materials to share your pride IN Earth Day with the community during the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2020 celebration.
Scholastic Classroom and Community Projects
Looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day with the kids? Scholastic has curated an excellent selection of project and activity ideas, lesson plans, reading resources and more to educate while you entertain.