Earth Day, first celebrated in 1970 and occurring every April 22 of the year, presents a great opportunity to focus on ways we can help protect and preserve the environment in which we live. There are lots of events, volunteer opportunities and programs happening across Hennepin County in honor of Earth Day.
Volunteer your time to help the environment
Clean up litter in your Hennepin County neighborhood and help protect the health of local lakes and streams.
- Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park Earth Day River Clean-up
Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. – noon - Eden Prairie Park Clean-up Day
Saturday, April 22, 8:30 – 11 a.m. - Minneapolis Earth Day Clean-Up
Saturday, April 22, 9:30 a.m. – noon - Great Shingle Creek Clean-Up
Saturday, April 22, 8 a.m. to noon in Brooklyn Center - Wood Lake Nature Center Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration
Sunday, April 23, 1 – 4 p.m. in Richfield
Adopt-a-highway to clean up litter along county roads
Join companies, clubs, families and other groups keeping our Hennepin County roads litter-free. Review road segments available for adoption and sign up for an approximately two-mile segment. Groups are asked to clean up their segment at least twice a year.
Learn ways to protect the environment at a community event
Environmental experts will be at the following events to answer your questions on waste reduction and recycling, composting, land and water, household hazardous waste and more.
- Elliot Park’s Earth Fest
Thursday, April 20, 4 – 7 p.m. in Minneapolis - North Hennepin Community College Earth Day Celebration
Thursday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Eden Prairie Early Childhood Family Education Friday Fun Day
Friday, April 21, 5 – 7 p.m. - Robbinsdale Early Childhood Family Education’s Earth Day Event and Kids Stuff Garage Sale – Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Tangletown’s “Don’t Just Trash That” event – Saturday, April 28, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Fuller Park in Minneapolis
- Maple Grove Arbor Day Event – Saturday, April 29, noon – 3 p.m.
View the Lowry Avenue Bridge lit green
The Lowry Avenue Bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis will be lit green with LED lights beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 22, to honor Earth Day. Take a walk or bicycle ride to enjoy the view.
Read a library book about the environment
Hennepin County Library can help you and your family learn more about animals, nature and the importance of protecting our environment. Walk or ride your bike to your neighborhood library to learn more. Check out these Hennepin County Library staff picks for kids:
Science and nature books for preschoolers
Get out on your bike
Hennepin County has more than 650 miles of bikeways that connect people with places they want to go. Give bike commuting a try during Bike Month in May. Visit the Ride Hennepin website for tips, events and an interactive county bike map.
Information provided by Hennepin County Environmental Services
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.