As another Minnesota spring approaches, we are delighted to celebrate the newly sprouting greenery all around us. What better way to give back than to join one of the many annual Earth Day festivities across the city. From runs to faith based gatherings, to neighborhood clean-ups and even clothing swaps, there are plenty of different ways to get involved in supporting your community and planet. Check out these six Earth Day activities to start your spring on a high note!
#1. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Earth Day Clean Up!
Saturday, April 23, 9:30a.m. – 12p.m.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) along with the City of Minneapolis are once again hosting their annual Minneapolis Earth Day Clean-Up event on Saturday, April 23 from 9:30 am to noon. It’s free to join and everyone is encouraged to volunteer to help pick up trash in your community parks, neighborhoods, and watersheds. Check out all the participating locations here.
The Minneapolis Parks Foundation is excited to host a clean-up site at Minnehaha Falls – please join us! Bags and gloves will be provided and available on a first come, first serve basis. No registration needed. Read more about our clean-up site at Minnehaha Falls here.
#2. Earth Day 5K Bee Run And Walk
Saturday, April 23, 9a.m.
The 7th annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup will take place at Boom Island Park this year, hosted by the Great River Coalition. The course will traverse through one of the city’s most historic and naturally beautiful areas. Before and following the 5K, learn about efforts to protect pollinators and enjoy live music, entertainment, and Earth Day festivities. You can also take part in an organized river cleanup along the shores of the mighty Mississippi River. More info and registration here!
#3. Celebrate Earth Day with Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light
Friday, April 22, 4p.m. – 6p.m.
Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light is hosting an evening of family-friendly festivities at Minnehaha Regional Park to celebrate Earth Day! They will be meeting at Wabun picnic area D between 4-6 pm. Enjoy games and activities, the beautiful park space, and opportunities to meet new people and old friends, as you share stories and songs to honor the earth. Light refreshments will be available. This event is free and for all ages, and you can RSVP here.
#4. Youth N’Power Earth Day 2022 Northside Clean Up!
Sunday, April 24, 1:30p.m. – 5p.m.
For Earth Week this year, Youth N’Power is hosting an event on Sunday, April 24, focused on cleaning up the streets surrounding the Harrison Neighborhood in North Minneapolis. They’ll gather at the back field behind 1800 Glenwood Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55405 by 1:30 p.m. This event will feature a a 2 hour street clean up along designated routes and then participants will be broken into smaller teams led by a youth apprentice team leader. Plus there will be some food/refreshments at the end of the event. Register here!
Youth N’Power is a youth centered organization that focuses on helping kids develop personal and group leadership, learn about renewable energy sources and environmental justice with hands-on projects, and cultivate the kind of community our youth envision for the future. Read more about this awesome group and upcoming events on their Instagram page.
#5. Litter League: 10,000 Trees Earth Day Event
Saturday, April 23, 9:30a.m. – 11:00a.m.
Litter League is a collective effort to bring together and activate youth in Minneapolis. It will comprise of 10 teams of youth ages 8-14 from across the region that together, through monthly service projects, promote environmental practices and community engagement to help heal the environment. Participants will provide leadership for the community in areas such as water protection, waste reduction, and carbon reduction.
The first monthly service project will be on Saturday, April 23, featuring their 10,000 Trees Earth Day event at North Commons Park. This hour of service is open to all! They will meet near the pool area at North Commons Park at 9:30. The first half hour will focus on tree-planting and the second half you will learn all about drain maintenance and clean-up.
Litter League is a new opportunity this summer and is still open for team registrants! Read more about Litter League, how to register, and when and where all the exciting summer events are taking place here.
#6. Second Annual Earth Day Clothing Swap
Saturday, April 23, 11a.m. – 5p.m.
While it’s not in a Minneapolis park, another featured Earth Day celebration is happening at the Twin Cities local clothing swap! This Earth Day event focuses on fighting fast fashion and offers opportunities to exchange gently used clothing items with your community. The clothing swap will be hosted at 218 7th Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101. Help find a new home for your unwanted items while gaining a brand new wardrobe for yourself! It’s free to join and all the leftover clothing will be donated locally. Read more and register here.
Featured Image Courtesy of Youth N’Power