2017 Earth Day falls on Saturday, April 22nd, so you can spend your weekend doing something nice for the planet! Here are some events held on Saturday around the valley and state to recycle, plant and more:
8th Annual Earth Day Phoenix
Celebrate Earth Day with exhibitors, mini eco-classes and more. This is a zero-waste event, meaning all waste will be recyclable or compostable. There will be limited parking, so alternative modes of transportation such as light rail or biking are recommended.
Details: 11am-4pm. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. FREE earthdayphoenix.org.
Earth Day at the Phoenix Zoo
Learn to reduce, reuse and recycle with conservation stations, a drumming circle, a make-your-own planter and creature features. Also, bring your used clothing, bedding, shoes, and books to the front curb to help raise money for the zoo.
Details: 9am-4pm. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org/event-items/earth-day.
Surprise Recycle Arts and Youth Festival
Highlights at this event include an artist’s reception and and the Eco Chic Fashion Show, a creative display of recycled fashion that underscores the importance and possibilities of working with post-consumer, reusable materials. There will also be art activities for children, and local food vendors and entertainers!
Details: 4-9pm. WHAM Community Arts Center, 16560 N. Dysart Road, Surprise. FREE 480-823-4120, wham-art.org/recycle-arts.html.
Chandler Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration
Show Mother Earth some love by attending Chandler’s annual Earth and Arbor Day Celebration! This free, family-friendly event includes live animal presentations, craft, food and beverage vendors and information booths featuring organizations and businesses promoting “green” products, conservation and ways to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The morning culminates with an Arbor Day tree planting dedication in Veterans Oasis Park.
Details: 9am-noon. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler. FREE 480-782-2890, chandleraz.gov/eec.
White Tank Mountain
Join White Tank Mountain Regional Park and the White Tank Branch Library in celebrating Earth Day with family activities, games and a nature center quest!
Details: 9am-3pm. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. $6 per vehicle. 623-935-2505, www.maricopacountyparks.net/events.
Scottsdale Litter Pickup
Celebrate Earth Day and keep Scottsdale “clean and scenic” as part of this Keep Scottsdale Beautiful event! Trash bags, safety vests and cotton gloves are provided to registered Adopt-a-Road groups.
Details: All day throughout Scottsdale. FREE www.scottsdaleaz.gov/neighborhoods/adopt-a-road.
Bat Day at Kartchner Caverns
Kartchner Caverns State Park will celebrate Earth Day with the annual return of the Myotis velifer bat colony. The event will include ranger presentations and guided hikes, kids activities and live reptiles from the Huachuca Area Herpetological Association. Guided tours of the Rotunda/Throne Room are available for an additional charge and should be reserved in advance.
Details: 9am-4pm. Kartchner Caverns State Park, 9 miles south of Benson on State Route 90. $7 per vehicle. 520-586-4100, azstateparks.com/kartchner.
Earth Day at Red Rock State Park
Learn about the intersection of humans, animals and the natural environment at this event. There will be arts & crafts and games that will help you understand the importance of pollinators and the properties of water. Learn about the animals that depend on this habitat and how you can help protect Oak Creek. There will be guided walks throughout the day, including an ethnobotany hike at 1pm.
Details: 10am-3pm. Red Rock State Park, 4050 Lower Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona. $7, $4 for ages 7-13. 928-282-6907, azstateparks.com/red-rock.
