As we’ve already noted, there are tons of opportunities for Northern Virginians to get to know their local environment and learn how to take care of it. This Earth Day, local parks are hosting cleanup initiatives, kids events and educational programs.
Earth Fest
April 12, 10 a.m.-noon
In order to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle, education is key. Get started by learning about recycling, composting, gardening and environmentally friendly health and fitness at this Earth Day festival. // Arlington Mill Community & Senior Center: 909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington
E-CARE Spring 2017
April 15, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Have bigger items you want to recycle but are unsure if they’re safe to dispose of? Take those items, like bikes, small metal items and clothing, to the Arlington Environmental Collection and Recycling Event. // Thomas Jefferson Middle School West Parking Lot: 125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington
Invasive plant removal at Long Branch Nature Center
April 16, 2-4 p.m.
Invasive plants are plants that can harm the local environment, and Long Branch Nature Center is calling for volunteers to help remove them. And you don’t have to limit your eco-friendly service after Earth Day passes—Long Branch hosts invasive plant removal events every third Sunday of the month. // Long Branch Nature Center: 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
Celebrate Earth Day
April 22, 9 a.m.-noon
This Earth Day, Upton Hill Regional Park is asking community members to get involved by helping clean up trails and removing invasive plants. // Upton Hill Regional Park: 6060 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Invasive plant removal at Benjamin Banneker Park
April 22, 10 a.m.- noon
Benjamin Banneker Park’s invasive plant removal event falls on Earth Day this April, but it’s held on the fourth Saturday of every month. // Benjamin Banneker Park: 1701 N. Van Buren St., Arlington
Earth Day Cleanup
April 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Volunteers will help clean up trails, remove invasive plants and more. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington
Wayland Street Park planting
April 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Fairfax County Park Foundation’s volunteers have been removing invasive species, and now they are asking volunteers to come plant native species in their place. // Wayland Street Park: Wayland and Lyrac streets, Oakton
Earth Day Celebration
April 22, 11 a.m.
This educational event aims to teach both kids and adults about composting, recycling and the environment at large. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly
Celebrate Earth Day With Outdoor Play
April 22, 2:30 p.m.
This kid-friendly event will consist of a nature walk, scavenger hunt and a craft workshop using recycled materials. // Hidden Oaks Nature Center: 7701 Royce St., Annandale
Invasive plant removal at Fort Bennett Park
April 23, 10 a.m.-noon
Help remove dangerous invasive plants and then continue volunteering every fourth Sunday of the month. // Dawson Terrace at Fort Bennett Park: 2133 N. Taft St., Arlington
All About Energy
April 29, 6-7 p.m.
Visitors to Pohick Bay Regional Park can learn about energy during this event at the gazebo, which will explore different types of energy and how much energy we consume in day-to-day life. // Pohick Bay Regional Park: 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton
