Earth Day is a celebration that honors the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect the place we all call home. The first Earth Day was held in 1970 and it has been a tradition for cities around the world. Many people around the city intentionally spend the day taking part in activities to protect the planet from pollution and deforestation. This year, the City of Chicago has a number of fun things to do to celebrate Mother Earth for all ages to enjoy. If you want to join in on the festivities, take a look at a list of events below.
● Annual Earth Day Clean Up and Celebration
Bring your family and friends out to help clean and beautify the park.
Chicago Park District- Humboldt Park
1440 N Humboldt Boulevard Chicago,IL
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Clean Up 9:00 am- Noon
A celebration from Noon -2:00 pm
There is no cost to attend this event. Register in advance on FOTP.ORG or you can walk up to volunteer
● Earth Day Run at Brookfield Zoo
Come out and enjoy a run for fun through Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo- Zoowide
8400 31st Street Brookfield, IL
Sunday, April 23, 2023
8:00 am to 10:00 pm
The cost is $35.00. You can register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Brookfield/BrookfieldZooEarthDayRun
Registration closes on April 22nd at 11:59 pm
● Earth Day at Tuley (Murray) Park in Chicago
Come out and help clean up the park with family and friends.
Tuley (Murray) Park
501 E. 90th Place Chicago, IL 60619
Saturday, APRIL 22
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
There is no cost to attend this event. For additional information you can log on to https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/earth-day-tuley
● Earth Day Paint-A-Pot
Join Chef Art Smith’s Reunion as they host this wonderful Earth Day activity for children.
Chef Art Smith's Reunion 700 East Grand Avenue Chicago, IL
Saturday, April 22
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tickets are $25.00 per child, parent tickets come at no extra charge (they’re free!)
Tickets include a kid's meal, supplies for decorating, a personal flower pot and of course a plant!
● Earth Day Clean Up hosted by One Earth Film Festival
Come out and join BUILD Chicago, Openlands, One Earth Collective, Field Museum, Friends of the Parks, Interfaith Green Network, Oak Park Climate Action Network, Seven Generations Ahead, others partners in an Earth Day clean-up of Harrison St and Columbus Park near the Field House on Central Ave.
Columbus Park, 500 S Central Ave, Chicago, IL, 60644
Saturday, April 22
Saturday’s schedule is as follows:
9:00 a.m. sign in at the shelter/pavilion or you can sign up in advance by clicking on the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJGNODU1ykprgtbm3OCZi12DPxqh4wGOVB2XEO2dQdbmsLDQ/viewform
9:00-11:30 a.m. trash clean-up and garden prep
11:30-12:30 p.m. reflection on the days activities and lunch
You can continue the free Earth Day celebration after the work is done
12:30-2:00 pm Earth Day Action Fair with refreshments at Chicago Cultural Center, 2nd Floor Rotunda, 78 E. Washington St. Chicago
2:00-4:30 pm Earth Day "Biocentrics" Film Watch Party + Discussion, Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater
Mother Earth should be celebrated every day, after all this is the space that we all call home. If you’re not busy or looking for something to do, take some time and attend one of the events and many others that are being hosted throughout the city. If you don’t feel up to being a part of a big crowd, create your own Earth Day celebration right at home or in your local community. No matter what you decide to do, make sure you are intentional about honoring the Earth on this day.
Liz Lampkin is the “Wright Now Writer.” She creates Faith and Lifestyle stories to give a voice to the unheard. Follow her on social media @Liz_Lampkin