April 22, 2022
Invest in Our Planet
Earth Day may fall on April 22, but you can care for the Earth every day. Explore this page to learn about Earth Day's history, upcoming Earth Day activities and events, and how you can get involved and help preserve the environment.
“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.”
Gaylord Nelson, former Wisconsin governor and Earth Day founder
Immerse Yourself
The world’s current population is at 7.8 billion people. Take a few moments to watch this compelling video, which reminds us all to consume Earth’s limited resources with care so there is an opportunity for a healthy future. Do more and better with less.
Approximately, 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. This moving video portrays how plastic negatively impacts our oceans. Reducing use of single-use plastics and recycling properly are two ways each individual can act against ocean plastic pollution.
What if nature had a voice? View this playlist from Conservation International where individuals, such as Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford, and Lupita Nyong’o, provide a voice for various nature elements, including forests, the sky, the ocean, water, and soil.
Expand Your Knowledge
History of Earth Day
Since 1970 Earth Day has been dedicated to celebrating Earth and recognizing the significance of protecting the environment. This short video from History explains the origin of Earth Day (2 mins and 25 secs).
Earth Day Facts
Did you know “International Mother Earth Day” is another name for Earth Day? Through a 2009 resolution, the General Assembly of the United Nations designated April 22 to be International Mother Earth Day.
Earth Day Quizzes
Are you an Earth Day enthusiast? Put your Earth Day knowledge to the test with quizzes from EARTHDAY.ORG!
Earth School
Explore TED-Ed’s Earth School, which is a collection of videos that discuss Earth’s processes and what action steps needed to be taken to preserve resources for future generations (1-12 mins).
Earth Day Resource Library
EARTHDAY.ORG is focused on providing environmental education on a variety of topics, such as conservation and restoration, and empowering individuals to change their lifestyle and be champions of the environment. It has a large collection of educational resources that you can share with your family, friends, and community from lessons focused on air quality to toolkits that guide and encourage you to take action, such as organizing a cleanup.
Image Gallery
Our Earth contains so much beauty from the lush green tropical forests to the golden desert sands to white snow-capped mountains. Take some time to pause and admire these beautiful, awe-inspiring images of Earth taken by NASA.
Get Involved
Every individual can make a difference in using Earth’s resources with care and protecting our environment. The National Ocean Services provides 10 actions you can do to help protect Earth, including volunteering and choosing sustainable food options. Learn how else you can make a difference here!
Local Volunteer Opportunities
Explore a variety of environmental volunteer opportunities, such as tree plantings, litter clean ups, curating artwork, and grant writing, that are available throughout the Gainesville community.
Keep Alachua County Beautiful (KACB)
Help KACB beautify and clean up our community through community garden maintenance, invasive plant removals, litter clean-ups along roads and waterways, and graffiti removals.
The Repurpose Project
The Repurpose Project is a non-profit community-based effort to divert useful resources from the landfill, redirect these items to the public for art and education, inspire creativity, and help us rethink what we throw away. Shop in-person or online, volunteer, or participate in the Zero Waste Initiative!
Participate in Earth Day Events
April 22-24
Florida Museum of Natural History Plant Sale
Head over to the Florida Museum of Natural History between April 22 and April 24 for their in-person plant sale! Select from 100 species of difficult-to-find and pollinator-friendly plants to add to your own garden. All proceeds benefit the Florida Museum’s Butterfly Rainforest exhibit.
April 22
Tree Giveaway
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with the City of Gainesville on April 22 by picking up your own tree to plant in your yard! Each household can pick 2 free, three-gallon trees from a selection of 15 tree species.
April 23
Eco Fest Earth Day
Join Alachua’s Eco Teaching Farm on April 23 for their fourth annual Eco Fest Earth Day event. Cheese making, food, and an incense and oil making demo are several of the family-friendly activities you can do. The entrance fee is $5.
April 23
Tree Fest
Stop by Swamp Head Brewery on April 23 for the seventh annual Tree Fest, which supports the Alachua Conservation Trust! The food, beverages, and T-shirts you purchase will directly fund the planting of four trees in Alachua County.
April 23
Guided Plants and Poetry Walk
Join a park ranger at Sweetwater Wetlands Park for some sun, fresh air, plants, and poetry on April 23! Identify and learn about various plants through the power of poetry. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes!
