In 1970, Earth Day was born out of the idea that human society is responsible for the ongoing destruction of wildlife and the environment, and real change has to be made to protect the earth. It was a time when Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring opened people’s eyes to the effects of pesticides on wildlife. The nation was shocked by the destruction of the Santa Barbara oil spill and the Cuyahoga River fire in 1969. Across the country, 20 million Americans took action through educational events, environmental community service, and marches.
56 years have passed, and the fight for our environment continues—not for lack of progress, but because we need to take care of our planet now more than ever. So this Earth Day, what will you do? The Green Seattle Partnership has compiled a list of 10 events in Seattle for you to take action throughout Earth Month this April.
Click below to jump to events:
Click here to get involved with the Green Seattle Partnership
How does GSP celebrate Earth Day?
April is the perfect time to focus on important work in our natural areas that protects recently installed native plants and prepares our sites for the coming summer. The ground is soft from the winter rain, making it easier to dig out harmful weeds such as blackberry and ivy; a task that gets progressively more difficult as the weather warms and the soil dries out. It’s also the perfect time to spread wood chip mulch around our young native plants. This mulch helps suppress weeds from growing back, stores moisture that helps the plants survive through the dry season, and feeds the soil as it breaks down, adding vital organic matter and nutrients that help our plants grow big and strong. Join in the weeding and mulching fun this Earth Month and find an event below!
Earth Month Events
Earth Month Celebration at Westcrest Park by Dirt Corps
Join Dirt Corps on April 11 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Westcrest Park to celebrate Earth Day month, enjoy the flowers, and help us care for this section of the West Duwamish Greenbelt! We’ll be learning about some of the early spring plants in this unique forest ecosystem in Westcrest Park. Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Duwamish Alive! by River Access Paddle Program and Puget Soundkeeper
Duwamish Alive! is an annual community cleanup event at Herring House Park/He’apus Village Park in West Seattle from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm on April 11. Sign up for a kayak spot to paddle on the Duwamish River, participate in the cleanup, and learn about the river’s history, marine habitat, and ecological and cultural importance. Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Earth Month Jam! By Basilica Bio x Beacon Food Forest
As the sun starts to come out again, Basilica Bio is going outside! On April 11th, from 1-4pm, join us at Beacon Food Forest for Earth Month Jam. Together, we will celebrate our earth, food, and soil. Expect interactive activities, live music, and accessible educational materials. Learn more and register here.
Feed the Earth with Mulch for Earth Month! by GSP Forest Steward Jana Robbins
Come celebrate Earth Month with us by Peppi’s Playground on April 12 from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm! Mulch adds nutrients to the soil, retains rainwater, reduces compaction from foot traffic, and insulates the soil during extreme weather. It is one of the most important ingredients in a healthy forest! There are some non-mulching options available too. Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Duwamish Alive! at Pigeon Point Park by Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association
Celebrate Spring Duwamish Alive on April 18 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Pigeon Point Park! We’re joining with the Duwamish Alive Coalition and many regional partners in this coordinated day of stewardship up and down the Green-Duwamish River and its watershed. Sign up here, and learn more about DNDA here.
Earth Day Run at Magnuson Park
Come down to Magnuson Park on April 18 at 10:00am for an Earth Day Run! There are 5k, 10k, 15k, and kids dash options for folks to choose from. Learn more and register to get your spot.
Earth Day Events: April 22
Beersheva invasive removal and cleaning event by Serve Ethiopians
Join Serve Ethiopians on Earth Day at 10:00 am – 1:00 pm to restore and protect the natural environment of Beersheva Park. We will remove invasive plants, pick up trash, and other activities to improve the condition of the park. Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Earth Day at Seattle: Kubota Garden by Earth Corps
Celebrate Earth Day with EarthCorps and Seattle Parks at 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Kubota Garden in the Rainier Beach Neighborhood in southeast Seattle. During this event, we’ll be planting native trees, shrubs, and ground cover! Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Earth Day: Hands in the Land! by Seward Audubon
Join us this Earth Day at Seward Park from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm for Hands in the Land, a community restoration event dedicated to caring for our local green spaces. Celebrate Earth Day through collective action, community care, and the renewal that comes from restoring the land together. Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Post-Earth Day Events
Spring Plant Sale at Washington Park Arboretum
Add new life and beauty to your home by buying trees, shrubs, and perennials at our volunteer-run Cloney-Harris Plant Nursery and Pat Calvert Greenhouse, located next to the Graham Visitors Center, on April 26 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Free parking and admission. Learn more here.
Thank you all for taking action to enhance Seattle’s green spaces! Want to celebrate Earth Day every day? Check out GSP’s events throughout the year here!