Here are 5 ways to celebrate Earth Day and give back in Louisville
Earth Day, an event to demonstrate support for environmental protection, is held annually on April 22. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by Earthday.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
Here are five ways to celebrate Earth Day, in date order, in Louisville:
Earth Day at Alberta O. Jones Park
WHAT: A day of service planting native pollinators, picking up litter, and a small sustainability resource fair at Alberta O. Jones Park. This volunteer event is a collaboration between the Louisville Metro Government Mayor's Office of Sustainability, the Parks Alliance of Louisville, Beargrass Thunder, and YouthBuild Louisville.
WHERE: Alberta O. Jones Park at 744 S 23rd St.
WHEN: April 19, 2 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION:louisvilleky.gov/government/sustainability/earth-day-alberta-o-jones-park
Earth Day Fest!
WHAT: Celebrate Earth Day with live music, food, beer, trivia, games, community partners, vendors, and more. Earth Day Fest will be held at the Woodland Pavilion, the Woodland Garden, and the Greensward area of Broad Run Park. There will be a free tree giveaway at 5 p.m., a Woodland Garden Music Walk from 5-7 p.m., and live music and trivia in the Woodland Pavillion from 7-9 p.m.
WHERE: The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Beckley Creek Pkwy
WHEN: April 19, 5-9 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION:theparklands.org/event/earth-day-fest/
Party for the Planet at the Louisville Zoo
WHAT: One day isn’t enough to celebrate the wonder of the planet and promote the need to protect it — so the Louisville Zoo is hosting a month-long party. During April, enjoy special weekend activities and videos, plus admission discounts sponsored by LG&E and KU Foundation. Here are some upcoming events. A full list can be found at louisvillezoo.org/party-for-the-planet-2024-a-month-long-celebration-of-the-earth/
April 20:
7:30-11:30 a.m.: ZooPoopyDoo Compost Sale. Get your garden ready with high-quality ZooPoopyDoo compost.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Recycling Weekends — Document Shredding: Free community document shredding at the Zoo. Shred-it will have a mobile paper shredding unit in the Zoo’s bus parking lot where you can drive up and drop off your documents to a customer security representative who will shred your confidential documents on-site.
April 21:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Earth Day at the Zoo. Enjoy $5 off general Zoo admission plus free parking powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. See community eco-partner displays and learn about their organizations’ community impact. Come join the fun and learn what you can do to help save our planet. Discount available at Zoo ticket windows only and cannot be applied to online purchases.
April 27
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or while supplies last): Plant Sale. Browse a selection of native plants available for purchase at the Zoo.
WHERE: Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevillian Way
WHEN: April
MORE INFORMATION: louisvillezoo.org/party-for-the-planet-2024-a-month-long-celebration-of-the-earth/
Earth Day Celebration at Wilborn Park
WHAT: The Earth Day Celebration at L & N Lake at Wilborn Park includes hands-on, family fun activities such as tree planting, canoe and kayak rides and more. Celebrate Mother Earth with a concert from Native American Navajo Flute Player, Fred Keams.
WHERE: Wilborn Park, 201-, 299 Lakeshore Dr, La Grange
WHEN: April 20, 12:30-3 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: oldhamkyhistory.com/event/antique-iron-club-meeting-3/
Earth Day at Waterfront Botanical Gardens
WHAT: Celebrate Earth Day at Waterfront Botanical Gardens with a variety of events, including a morning conversation about how to prevent and reduce food waste, youth programming, a neighborhood cleanup and more. Here is a schedule of events:
9-10 a.m.: Conversation & Coffee with Karen Maynard. Register for this special presentation by Karen Maynard, Department of Public Works. Free with a suggested donation of $5/learner. Coffee and tea are provided.
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Youth Programming Stations on the Plaza. Local Home School families are invited to spend Earth Day with Waterfront Botanical Gardens. Visit the learning stations focused on how you can care for our planet. The program is free with a suggested donation of $5/learner. Participants must pre-register by Monday, April 15th.
1-3 p.m.: Neighborhood trash clean-up. Join the garden staff for a neighborhood trash cleanup. Volunteers are welcome to join us as we walk the area picking up trash. All supplies will be provided.
3-4 p.m.: Sorting trash vs. Recycling: With help from Rumpke, meet at the gardens at 3 p.m. to sort items that can be recycled from those that will go to the landfill. All supplies will be provided.
4-6 p.m.: Happy Hour at Apocalypse Brew Works: Toast to a fun-filled Earth Day with an optional happy hour at Apocalypse Brew Works (1612 Mellwood Ave). Kid and pet-friendly.
WHERE: Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave
WHEN: April 22
MORE INFORMATION: waterfrontgardens.org/earthday/
Reach features news clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Here are 5 ways to celebrate Earth Day and give back in Louisville
