The post below is sponsored by the Michigan Wildlife Council. All opinions belong to me.
Every Earth Day, our family tries to celebrate by doing something — whether it’s picking up trash outside or finding materials in our home to repurpose. We should be celebrating our earth daily, but having a special day to celebrate is the perfect excuse to get out there and make a difference.
We are lucky that Michigan is home to pristine waters, forests and abundant wildlife, but that isn’t possible without people to maintain it all. Thankfully everyone from dedicated scientists to individual volunteers can help conserve and protect our natural resources so future generations can continue to enjoy our state.
Organizations such as the Michigan Wildlife Council work to increase public awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation and how those activities are funded, as the bulk of Michigan’s wildlife conservation practices are paid for by hunting and fishing licenses. {To learn about some of Michigan’s best conservation stories, check out HereForMIOutdoors.org.}
You might be wondering what you can do today though…Plenty! This year, Earth Day falls on a Sunday. I challenge you to gather up the kiddos and attend a clean-up or celebrate at one of these family-friendly events in southeast Michigan and beyond!
April 20 — Earth Day with West Bloomfield Parks and Rec {West Bloomfield} — Visit the Recreation Activities Center from 3-6 p.m. to explore the Nature Room and the Outdoor Natural Play Area plus make recycled crafts, a visit from Rocky from Paw Patrol, guided nature hikes and more! Free tree seedlings to the first 50 pre-registered children. Pre-registration encouraged. FREE.
April 20-22 — MI Earth Day Fest {Rochester} — Visit Rochester Municipal Park to shop at 100+ exhibits, get free samples, learn at expert presentations, and more. There will also be live entertainment, food and activities for all ages. FREE.
April 21 — Earth Day Kids Club at Michaels Stores {Nationwide} — Visit Michaels anytime between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for an Earth Day project! Projects range from $2-$5 with supplies included. Suggested for ages 3 and up.
April 21 — Green Day at the Belle Isle Nature Center {Detroit} — This annual celebration includes earth-friendly crafts, games, storytelling, keeper talks and exhibits by local conservation groups. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free with Belle Isle Park admission.
April 21 — Paint Rocks at Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy {St. Clair Shores} — Visit Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy to paint rocks and celebrate the earth. Take them home to keep or hide them in your community to brighten someone’s day. Rocks and paints will be provided. FREE.
April 21 — Belle Isle Spring Clean Up {Detroit} — Visit this Detroit gem to help clean-up the island for spring. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and clean-up starts at 9 a.m. Volunteers will receive a hot dog lunch after. Recreation passport requirement will be waived for volunteers.
April 21 — Earth Day Extravaganza at Fenner Nature Center {Lansing} — Honor the legacy of Earth Day by giving back to nature with Fenner Nature Center. Visitors of all ages are welcome to join to help clean-up, search for salamanders, plant trees, restore habitat in the park and more. FREE.
April 21 — Earth Day Clean-up at Lansing City Market {Lansing} — Join the Lansing Earth Project at the Lansing City Market at 11 a.m. to help clean the Grand River and River Trail. Volunteers can earn discounts at River Town Adventures through this opportunity, too!
April 21 — Big Green Gig {East Lansing} — This festival includes local musicians, food trucks, kid-friendly activities and more. 3-6 p.m. in Valley Court Park. FREE.
April 21 — Earth Day at The Metroparks {Metro Detroit} — Volunteers will help in a variety of activities to help clean-up the Metroparks. Volunteers will be asked to help with litter/debris clean-up along paths and trails, shoreline clean-up, and invasive species removal. This day’s events include Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Oakwoods Nature Center and Stony Creek Metroparks.
April 22 — Earth Day at The Metroparks {Metro Detroit} — Volunteers will help in a variety of activities to help clean-up the Metroparks. Volunteers will be asked to help with litter/debris clean-up along paths and trails, shoreline clean-up, and invasive species removal. This day’s events include Kensington, Wollcott Mills and Indian Springs Metroparks.
April 22 — Earth Day Walkabout at Harris Nature Center {Okemos} — Celebrate Earth Day with a walk through the woods! Visit Harris Nature Center from 2-3 p.m. and look for early wildflowers, signs of animals, and changes brought on by spring. $3/person or $7/family.
April 22 — 47th Annual Earth Day Festival {Ann Arbor} — Visit the Leslie Science and Nature Center for displays from 40 environmental organizations, live animal demonstrations, hands-on activities, live entertainment, and more. FREE.
April 22 — Earth Day at Plum Market {Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield} — Visit Plum Market locations for treats, a live DJ, My Rewards Coupons, raffles, and more! Shoppers will also receive groceries in an Earth Day decorated bag created by local students. FREE.
April 22 — Earth Day in Farmington Hills {Farmington Hills} — Visit Heritage Park from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. for a trail unveiling, family fun activities, live music, face painting, earth friendly crafts, informational booths, giveaways and more. Local food trucks will have food for purchase and a tractor will provide low-cost hayrides during the event. FREE to attend.
April 22 — Earth Day Ypsi {Ypsilanti} — Visit downtown Ypsi for family fun, kids arts and crafts and plenty of earth-friendly vendors and food. FREE.
April 22 — Earth Day Adopt-A-Beach Clean-up {Detroit} — Volunteer with the Outdoor Adventure Center to clean-up along the Detroit River in Milliken State Park. Included with the price of OAC admission.
April 22 — FREE Day at Michigan Science Center {Detroit} — Enjoy free general admission at the Michigan Science Center in honor of Earth Day. General admission includes 250+ hands-on exhibits, live stage shows, Spark!Lab from the Smithsonian, Kids Town gallery, STEM Playground space and more. Planetarium and 4D theater tickets will be available for purchase at the box office. Register a timeslot in advance here. Public parking is $7.
April 22 — Earth Day Outdoor Adventure at the Stage Nature Center {Troy} — Families will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on, outdoor experiences that will inspire curiosity and a connection to nature. Each family will get to take home a potted native wildflower. $15-$18/family.
April 27-28 — St. Clair County Earth Fair {St. Clair} — Bring your friends and family to Goodells County Park for demonstrations, workshops, exhibits, artisans, and activities to celebrate our earth. FREE.
April 29 — Party for the Planet: Animal Enrichment at Potter Park Zoo {Lansing} — From 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., explore conservation issues with hands-on artifacts, information, and demonstrations around the zoo. “Party for the Planet” is included in regular zoo admission price.
If you can’t make these events, make sure to check out the resources available with Michigan Wildlife Council for ideas on places to hike, fish, hunt, camp and more. Get outdoors and enjoy nature and celebrate our earth every day!
Learn more on their website | Facebook | Twitter.
What do you have planned for Earth Day? Have fun!
April 27th West Bloomfield Township- Spring Clean-Up 2019. Volunteers can meet at town hall (4550 Walnut Lake Road) at 8:45 a.m. and we will visit a few roadways in need of trash pick-up. Can this be added to your list of community events for Earth week?