TAMPA, Fla. — Celebrated annually every April 22, Earth Day is a way to promote awareness for the health of the environment.
Since its birth in 1970, Earth Day is now recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, used to change human behavior and create global, national and local policy changes.
There are many Bay area events taking place for the weekend as the fight for a clean environment still continues. Here’s a list of how you can get involved.
Hernando County
2023 Florida Friendly Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 22 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
UF/IFAS Hernando County Master Gardener Volunteer Nursery
Native plant experts, recycling information and landscaping educational materials will all be available to attendees at this free event. There will also be a propagation workshop and a pruning demonstration.
WellCome OM’s 4th Annual Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 22 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WellCome Om Integral Healing and Education Center
Speakers and presentations from leading experts in environmental, gardening, and conscious living services and products will be in attendance. Guests can enjoy mind-body class demonstrations, connect with professional holistic wellness practitioners and services and take part in an interactive drum circle. There is no cost to attend.
Hillsborough County
Earth Day Celebration
Friday, April 21 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
USF Botanical Gardens
The University of South Florida is hosting a day at their botanical gardens with student and community orgranizations attending. There will be environmental activities and guest speakers. Entry is $5.
EcoFest 2023
Saturday, April 22 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Museum of Science and Industry
The 13th annual EcoFest returns with local vendors, food trucks, organic farms and gardens with fresh produce, alternative health practitioners, renewable energy specialists and a variety of green businesses. The event focuses on sustainability, ecology, equity and economy. EcoFest is free to attend.
Earth Day Clean Up at Cypress Point Park
Saturday, April 22 | 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Cypress Point Park
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful invites the community to an Earth Day Clean Up around Cypress Point Park. Guests are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and to bring their own water bottle.
Earth Day Market
Saturday, April 22 | 12 p.m.
Corner Club Tampa
Local vendors will show how people can recycle, repurpose and reuse items for Earth Day. The event also features earth-friendly food and recycled art. There is no cost to attend.
Rotary Club of Temple Terrace 2023 Earth Day RiverFest
Saturday, April 22 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Scout Park
The Rotary Club of Temple Terrace invites the community out to join their 2nd Annual RiverFest Clean Up. The organization will be helping to keep the Hillsborough River and surrounding areas clean. This events is also pet-friendly and will have additional features such as live music and food trucks. The event is free.
Pasco County
Earth Day 2023 Celebration
Friday, April 21 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Pasco County Extension One Stop Shop
Representatives from various Pasco County departments and state agencies will help the community become better Earth ambassadors and introduce a variety of free or low-cost county and state services. Guest speakers will lead educational sessions on composting, gardening, water conservation and recycling. The event is free to attend.
Pinellas County
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival Earth Day Clean Up
Friday, April 21 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Pier 60
Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, the City of Clearwater, Visit St. Pete Clearwater, Ocean Allies, and Amplify Clearwater are joining forces for an Earth Day clean up at Clearwater Beach. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and weather appropriate clothing. Cleanup supplies will be provided. A water refill station will be available. There is no cost to attend the clean up.
Earth Day Service Event with with Balance Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay Watch
Saturday, April 22 | 9 a.m.
Lassing Park
Organizations Balance Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay Watch will be building an oyster shell bar, planting native grasses and cleaning up the shoreline of Lassing Park. The project is an effort to restore lost habitat systems to the bay, prevent further erosion of the shoreline and improve water quality through natural biological filtration. The event is free to attend.
ReWilding Festival – Celebrate Earth Day
Saturday, April 22 | 9 a.m.
Folly Farm Nature Preserve
Earth Day enthusiasts will be educating the community about restoring the health and vitality of our minds, bodies, relationships, communities and ecosystems at this free event. They will also explore how to be good stewards of the environment through sustainable practices.
Earth Day Everyday Plant and Seed Swap
Saturday, April 22 | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Zen City Brew Co.
Plant enthusiasts can attend this free meet up where they can exchange houseplants, seeds, garden starters, perennials, tips and build a community with other plant people. All plants and seeds must be healthy, pest-free, and labeled.
Polk County
Drive Electric Earth Day Lakeland
Saturday, April 22 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Downtown Lakeland’s Munn Park Lot
If you’re curious about Electric Vehicles, local EV owners will showcase their cars, answer your questions, and share their enthusiasm. The free event also features downtown Lakeland’s local restaurants and outdoor cafes, as well as Lakeland Farmers Curb Market’s weekly fresh produce, food and craft booths.
Nature Fun-Day: Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 22 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Polk’s Nature Discovery Center
The Nature Fun-Day is dedicated to celebrating Earth and its natural resources. Activities include, hands-on crafts, informational booths and games, as well as several service projects around the reserve. There is no cost to attend.
Earth Day – Crafts and Nature Hike
Saturday, April 22 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Colt Creek State Park
Celebrate Earth Day by taking a .25 mile hike on a nature trial with a park ranger. There will be crafts and other Earth Day-related projects. The event is free with park admission and is $4 per vehicle to park.
Manatee County
Earth Day Cleanup at Emerson Point Preserve
Saturday, April 22 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Emerson Point Preserve
Celebrate Earth Day by helping to reduce human impact on the oceans and the environment. The free event is a low-tide opportunity to clean the mangrove shorelines of the preserve.
