The 52nd Annual Earth Day takes place this Friday, April 22. It’s a time to reflect on the past, present and future of the natural environmental. The Tampa Bay area is holding many festivals, giveaways and serious discussions regarding the Tampa Bay environment.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day was created by peace activist John McConnell. He proposed a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace. The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, also included a nationwide environmental teach-in. On this day, more than 20 million people poured out on the streets, and the first Earth Day remains the largest single-day protest in human history. The first Earth Days were organized around the United States. In the 1990s Earth Day went international with 141 nations organizing events.
Earth Day Events
Here are some of the Earth Day events taking place in the Tampa Bay area on Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
The People Power Environmental Justice and Energy Symposium
This is a public education symposium sponsored by The Urban Progress Alliance, Blaq Earth, CHISPA, and the Sierra Club. It’s a chance for people from frontline communities to learn about environmental and energy impacts that affect their quality of life. Participants will have the opportunity to share and record their narratives and develop effective ways of holding accountable and correcting bad policies and practices by government, communities and businesses. It takes place on Friday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Reed at ENCORE senior apartment complex.
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City of Tampa free tree giveaway
The City of Tampa is giving away 1,000 free trees to the community this Earth Day weekend. Eligible residents will be able to choose from three different species of trees, based on availability:
- Red Maple
- Baldcypress
- Winged Elm
Residents are asked to come prepared with blankets/towels in the bed of their truck/vehicle in order to ensure safe transport. City of Tampa residents can now register to pick up a free tree on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from the Sulphur Springs Pool parking lot between 9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.
Hillsborough County free compost giveaway
Hillsborough County residents can pick up free County-created compost at a one-day only event in Seffner. Compost protects against plant diseases, helps soil retain nutrients, air, and water, maintains a neutral pH, and builds good soil structure. In addition to free compost, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful is providing a free 1-gallon Florida native tree for the first 200 vehicles.
Residents can pick up compost Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to noon, while supplies last at the Hillsborough Heights Solid Waste Facility, 6209 County Rd. 579, Seffner, FL, 33584. Residents must self-load into provided bags or bring their own container. Shovels will be provided.
Green Thumb Festival in St. Pete
To celebrate Arbor Day, the city of St. Pete will host the Green Thumb Festival at Walter Fuller Park. Participants will be able to learn gardening tips, shop from local nurseries, and enjoy all-day activities for adults and kids alike. As part of St. Pete’s annual Arbor Day Celebration, the festival will last from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. The festival is still searching for volunteers to help with the festival. Click here for more information.
EcoFest 2022
This is a community event organized by Learning Gate Community School and MOSI to celebrate the many businesses, organizations, and individuals in the Tampa Bay area dedicated to the principles of Sustainability, Ecology, Equity and Economy. Saturday, April 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Earth Day Celebration at Armature Works
In celebration of Earth Day, Armature Works will have various activities between 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 23.
Kicking things off at 3pm, guests are invited to take a stroll through the Eco-Friendly Market, comprised of several local eco-friendly and sustainable artisans. For those looking to honor Earth Day through their yoga practice, Conscious Coconut will offer a free Yoga and Guided Meditation, led by celebrity yoga instructor, Amy Dannheim, at 4:00 p.m. Participating yogis will receive a free gift bag from Conscious Coconut.
There will also be a craft station including paints and river rocks where guests can create their own Kindness Rock. In addition, Armature Works will be giving out a plantable gift for the first 100 guests.
Temple Terrace River Clean-Up
Grab your boat, kayak, canoe, paddle board, or any other water vessel and join the inaugural Rotary Club of Temple Terrace, Earth Day River Clean-Up! Launch from Rotary Riverfront Park and make your way down the Hillsborough River to Scout Park, collecting trash and debris along the way. No boat? No problem! Shoreline helpers at both parks are welcome! Food and beverages will be served at the end in Scout Park. Meet at Rotary Riverfront Park in Temple Terrace at 8:30 a.m.