Things to Do

Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in NoVA

Learn ways to live more sustainably at events in Arlington, Alexandria, Chantilly, Delaplane, and Sterling.

By Kate Oczypok April 11, 2023 at 8:54 am

This year marks the 53^rd anniversary of Earth Day, which initially started as a way to raise awareness about the environment and work toward finding solutions to environmental problems. Every April 22 since 1970, groups and governments have worked to improve the planet’s health.

Northern Virginia Magazine has rounded up a list of Earth Day-related activities that may interest you.

EarthFest 2023

For those who want to learn more about composting, recycling, and energy efficiency, Arlington Mill’s EarthFest 2023 is from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday April 21. There will be a chance to create recycled art, make a take-home planter, and see health and wellness demonstrations. 909 South Dinwiddie St., Arlington

We Plant Trees’ Earth Day Family Fun Run

Fauquier County celebrates Earth Day with a family fun run that starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 22 at Sky Meadows State Park. The event is hosted by the Fredericksburg-based We Plant Trees. Families are welcome to go at their own pace at this free event, but you need to register in advance. Leashed dogs are allowed to attend. Everyone who participates receives a tree in a one-gallon container that you can plant at home. 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane

Healthy People – Healthy Planet

Earth Day returns to the Sully Historic Site from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 22. Learn how Fairfax County supports sustainability. There are plans for farm animals from Frying Pan Farm Park to make appearances as well as historic hikes, games, food vendors, a tree clinic and a meet and greet with WUSA9’s Chief Meteorologist Topper Shutt. While the event is free, parking will cost $10 and you can reserve parking spot ahead of time. 3650 Historic Sully Wy., Chantilly

Earth Day at Sterling Community Center

Visit the Sterling Community Center between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday, April 22 to learn some interesting Earth Day facts, and to take home a plant. 120 Enterprise St., Sterling

Mindful Earth Day

Celebrate in Stafford on Saturday, April 22. From 11 a.m. to noon, there will be an Earth Day Forest Bathing Walk along the Holly Marsh Trail. A park ranger will guide visitors on a light walk that incorporates stretches. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and to bring water. There will be gentle yoga from 3 to 4 p.m. Bring your own mat or towel. Pre-registration is required for both events, and each program is limited to 20 people. 101 Widewater State Park Rd., Stafford

Del Ray Gardenfest

The Del Ray Citizens Association hosts GardenFest from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 23. The free event will include garden-centric demonstrations, informational booths, and interactive activities. Topics include composting, beekeeping, and how to grow native plants. 2207 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria

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Kate Oczypok

Contributing Writer

Kate Oczypok has been a freelance writer since 2011, and is proud to be a regular contributor to Northern Virginia Magazine in digital and print since 2020. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, People.com, Better Homes and Gardens, and locally The Georgetowner and Washingtonian Magazine, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism from American University and a M.Ed. in Education from Penn State. She also teaches virtual piano lessons in the after school hours and does portrait photography on weekends.