The first ever Earth Day took place in 1970, inspired by a devastating 1969 oil spill off the California Coast. Today, it serves as an opportunity to teach ourselves and our children about the incredible, fragile natural world we call home. Events hosted across New Hampshire offer opportunities for people from all walks of life to come together with a common goal of education and preservation. Whether you participate in an environmental cleanup day or shop for a cause, spend this Earth Day being an eco champion!
Bring a sense of community, gloves, and rakes and help clean the Cathedral of the Pines, an incredible natural sanctuary in Rindge. A wonderful opportunity for families, with jobs appropriate for all ages and skill levels and plenty of opportunities to learn about local environments.
On Earth Day, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire hosts special exhibits for little ones, all included in general museum admission. Examine specimens, ask the experts your questions, and even have the opportunity to plant something all you own.
Whether you’re a fan of the Strawbery Banke Museum, or you just generally love to garden, this is a great opportunity to meet people and make a difference. Bring a potluck dish to share after the hard work is done, and be prepared to learn about our shared agricultural and social heritage.
If your love of nature trends more observation than participation, a trip to the Earth Day Barn Sale may be just the ticket. Truly a community effort, Hollis hosts a yearly barn sale with proceeds benefiting Beaver Brook programming and trail maintenance. Donate, pick up something new, or just browse an incredible selection of jewelry, antiques, and so much more.
Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation offers monthly cleanup dates, and participation is a wonderful way to mark the passing of Earth Day. Since 2001, Blue Ocean has cleared over 170,000 tons of garbage from New Hampshire beaches. View a brief presentation on the program, then spend an hour or two clearing debris and recording your findings. If you are unable to make a preschedule clean-up day, assemble your own group of 10 or more participants and Blue Ocean will help you with your very own cleanup!
With both a chip-timed trail race and untimed walk, the Rescue Run Race for Marine Mammals is a way for athletes of all skill levels to work towards a wonderful cause. Hosted by the Seacoast Science Center, the race looks to raise funds for critical rescues of marine animals. The day also features a runner’s breakfast, maritime activities, and a mock seal rescue for children. Attendees under 12 can also partake in a 300-yard dash or half mile fun run, with each participant winning a special prize.
Part of a children’s series hosted by malls across the country, the Kidget Little Planet Helpers Earth Day Celebration is a wonderful event held annually at the Mall at Rockingham Place. Little ones can learn about protecting the environment and make earth day related crafts. The Kidget Little Planet Helpers Event is a good way to introduce young children to the joys and responsibilities of our natural world.
The Monadnock Region Earth Festival in Keene is a celebration of all things natural. Participate in children’s crafts, seed planting, and even learn to ferment your own products. The event is free and promises a good time for all.
This free event offered by Stonyfield Yogurt combines a 5K and Earth Day Festival for an unforgettable experience. Learn about sustaining the environment and innovative green products, make fun crafts, and participate in the exciting 5K race. The first 1,200 participants to register will receive a free ticket to a New Hampshire Fisher Cats game, and all proceeds will benefit a local charity.
Hosted by the Messabesic Audubon Center, the Tread Lightly Earth Day Event is an annual knockout. Play games, make crafts, view live animal demonstrations, and learn about how to preserve our natural world. Each attendee will take home a free tree to plant, and lots of new ideas about conservation.
