14 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in the Ocean State

With warmer temps (hopefully!) here to stay and Earth Day right around the corner, there’s no better time to get out of the house and appreciate the great outdoors. Whether you’re interested in giving back to your community, celebrating Ocean State environments, or learning about the natural world, here are 14 ways to appreciate planet Earth this weekend!

VOLUNTEER

If you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, lace up your hiking boots or sneakers and join the Canal Street Clean-up, hosted in partnership with AllTrails. Bags and gloves are provided; BYO grabbers and buckets! April 22, Canal Street, North Smithfield

Spring is planting season for the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program, and the community is invited to participate. Catch a TreeLC Day on Broad Street, where you’ll help contribute to the urban tree canopy by putting young saplings in the ground, followed by a tree ID talk. April 22, Providence

Help keep our waters clean, beautify the shorelines, and protect wildlife by signing up for one of Save The Bay’s Earth Day Cleanups at Salter Grove Park in Warwick or Barrington Town Beach. Families with children ages 8+ are welcome. April 22, Multiple locations 

Grab a trash bag, gloves, and a few friends to join one of South Kingstown Land Trust’s Earth Day Spring Cleanups, taking place on beaches, trails, parks, and neighborhoods all over South County. April 22, Multiple locations

What better way to honor the earth than picking up litter? The West Broadway Neighborhood Association hosts a Neighborhood Clean-up and Earth Day Celebration, coffee and supplies provided, followed by flower planting and a barbecue. April 22, 1560 Westminster Street, Providence

CELEBRATE

An Earth Day Market at Buttonwoods Brewery invites visitors to shop local vendors, upcycle clothes with a Tie Dye Workshop by Juicy Market PVD, and take a Terrarium Class with A Bushel & A Peck Floral Shop – and of course, indulge in some brews! April 22, 530 Wellington Avenue #22, Cranston

Head to India Point Park for a family-friendly Earth Day Celebration by the river featuring live music, food, crafts and activities for the kids, and chances to connect with those working to nurture our public green spaces. April 21, 225 India Street, Providence

The Norman Bird Sanctuary holds their annual Earth Week Extravaganza, with a performance by Grammy-winning children’s musician Bill Harley, plus crafts, guided hikes, and fun for all ages. (Start your day of earth exploration early with a Shorebird Stroll led by NBS, too.) April 22, 583 3rd Beach Road, Middletown

In addition to seeing the animals, Earth Day at Roger Williams Park Zoo includes themed activities with local organizations, live music, bird shows, and costumed characters, plus more programming for the whole family, all included with admission! April 22, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence

There’s still time to tiptoe through the tulips and hand-select a few stems to bring home from Wicked Tulip Flower Farms. Tickets are limited and blooming seasons are brief, so check the website before visiting. The Exeter farm will be open through April 21, and the Johnston season is likely to open soon after. 400 Hog House Hill Road, Exeter

LEARN

Diving into climate and sustainability topics, Bryant University’s Earth Day Symposium is for students and community members alike. Join them for a day of workshops, activities, and talks. April 21, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield

National Park Rangers and childrens’ book authors will lead hands-on learning experiences for guests of all ages to enjoy at the Museum of Work and Culture’s Earth Day Open House, with a birding walk, nature demonstrations, and more. April 22, 42 South Main Street, Woonsocket

Revive the Roots welcomes all to attend their Earth Day & Garden Pavilion Ribbon Cutting, with a welcoming address, followed by a composting demo and nature art workshop making fairy houses with Artists’ Exchange. April 22, 374 Farnum Pike, Smithfield

Before raising a trowel to your garden beds, stop by Wakefield Books for a copy of The Garden Tourist’s New England, and get it signed by author Jana Milbocker, a horticulture and design expert whose book delights new and seasoned planters alike. April 22, 160 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield