Protections the Focus of 2019 Campaign

by Ronica A. O'Hara

On April 22, eco-conscious citizens will join together again in communities across the country to celebrate Earth Day and work for the planet’s healthy, sustainable future. This year, the Earth Day Network (EDN) is asking people to join its Protect Our Species campaign to raise awareness of the crucial roles that plants and animals play in the ecosystem and the current threats faced by many of them.

The nonprofit cites that the world is facing the greatest rate of extinction in 60 million years because of human activity, including climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, trafficking and poaching, unsustainable agriculture, pollution and pesticides. But the good news, EDN says, is that the rate of extinctions can be slowed, and many of our declining, threatened and endangered species can still recover if we work together now. This will necessitate a united global movement of consumers, voters, educators, faith leaders and scientists that demands immediate action.

EDN is asking people to advocate government policies that protect species and their habitats, and to continue to build on the worldwide efforts that embrace the value of nature.

It is also asking people to undertake such individual actions as adopting a plant-based diet and stopping pesticide and herbicide use. More information, including teach-in toolkits and facts on threatened species from whales to insects, can be found at EarthDay.org.

Help celebrate and promote progress in species sustainability efforts by participating in these local Earth Day 2019 events.

 

2019:

 

EarthShare North Carolina Corporate Challenge

April 4, 1:30-4pm

Program gives businesses a way to support healthy communities during Earth Day. It combines volunteerism, team building, and networking in support of natural resource health. 11 businesses and 200 employees will participate this year.

Nonprofits host sites across Charlotte.

Questions/Info: Heather Beard, 919-687-4840, [email protected]

 

 

Earth’s Treasures

April 6, 10am-1pm

Celebrate Earth Day while enjoying a series of “treasure hunts” illustrating conservation efforts protecting our water, minerals, animals, soil, and air. Share in “Earth Optimism” as you visit exhibits to learn more about our conservation partners and sustainability success stories. Included with museum admission.

The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia

Questions/Info: schielemuseum.org

 

 

Full Steam Ahead: Earth Day

April 6, 11am-12pm

Participants will learn about the history of flight using the commercial and private planes in our gallery. Afterwards, we will plan our own trip around the world through a personalized flight path and create a collage of what we will see on our adventure. $5.

Carolinas Aviation Museum, 4672 First Flight Dr., Charlotte

Questions/Info: 704-997-3770, [email protected]

 

 

Belmont and Cramerton Arbor Day Celebration

April 6, 12-3pm

Awards, tree planting, ladybug release. Shred-it truck on site. Join us as we continue Arbor Day tradition – a special day for planting trees.

Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park, 1400 Catawba St., Belmont.

Questions/Info: [email protected]

 

 

Earth Day in Charlotte: Volunteer with One Tree Planted in Charlotte

April 9, 10:00am

Get your hands dirty; do something good for nature this Earth month! Join One Tree Planted and TreesCharlotte for this community restoration event. Volunteers will help with mulching and staking existing trees. Refreshments/snacks provided.

Highland Renaissance Academy, 125 W. Craighead Rd., Charlotte

Questions/Info: Eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-in-charlotte-volunteer-with-one-tree-planted-tickets-57741307806?aff=aff0eventful

 

 

Earth Day Projects Event

April 13, 10:30am-1:30pm

A community service type event to assist in maintaining and beautifying sections outside the Berewick Recreation Center & Park. Please wear clothes that will get dirty and bring your gardening/work gloves. Rain or Shine!

Berewick Recreation Center, 5910 Dixie River Rd., Charlotte

Questions/Info: By April 10, 980-314-1102, [email protected]

 

 

EarthFest

April 13 & 14, 11am-3pm

Learn about living a sustainable lifestyle with family crafts and activities. Enjoy a nature hike, a bite/beverage, lawn games and live music in the Beer Garden. Free for Garden Members or with general admission.

Questions/Info: 704-825-4490 or [email protected], DSBG.org

 

 

Ballantyne Earth Day Event & Recycling Opportunities

April 18, 11:30am-1:30pm

Join Ballantyne for its annual community event featuring music, food truck fare, great giveaways and local vendors showcasing their sustainable efforts or green products. This event will also feature free, secure shredding and recycling opportunities.

15801 Brixham Hill Ave., Brixham Tent, Charlotte

Questions/Info: GoBallantyne.com

 

 

Earth Day Jam April 19, 5-11pm

April 20, 11am-11pm Earth Day Jam is a weekend music & arts festival, Earth Day celebration, and fundraiser for Happy Roots. Bands on two stages, food trucks, kids’ activities, and over 40 vendors & educators. New location!

Rowan County Fairgrounds, 1560 Julian Rd., Salisbury

Questions/Info: Ashley Honbarrier, [email protected], EarthDayJamNC.com

 

 

Union County Earth Day Shred Event

April 20, 9am-2pm

Sponsored by ProShred Security. 5 standard boxes maximum. Paper, file folders, hanging files, notepads, envelopes.

Union County Government Center, 500 N. Main St., Monroe

Questions/Info: 704-533-9555

 

 

Earth Day Celebration

April 22, 10-11:45am

We're celebrating Earth Day by giving out Squash Seeds. Two drop-in times: preschoolers 10-11; Adult/Senior: 9:45-11:45am. Get information on growing your own squash along with some squash seeds to take home and plant. Registration required.

Mallard Creek Recreation Center, 2530 Johnston-Oehler Rd., Charlotte

Questions/Info: 980-314-1054, [email protected]

 

Bee the Change

April 22, 10am-5pm

Come out and BUZZ around with us this Earth day! We will have vendors, samples, demos, raffles, activities for all ages and store-wide discounts. Learn about the pollinators and let’s give bees a chance.

Organic Marketplace 1012 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia

Questions/Info: 704-864-0605

 

 

Gardens and Verses: An Earth Day Celebration

April 23, 11am-2pm

Co-sponsorsed by UNC Charlotte English Department and the Botanical Gardens, the event focuses on the relationship between humans and the nonhuman world. Poetry, prose readings and open mic in the Gazebo. Free and open to the public.

Questions/Info: 704-687-0721 or [email protected]

 

Charlotte Sustainability Awards

April 24, 6-9pm

Since 2012, Sustain Charlotte has honored smart growth and sustainability leadership in Greater Charlotte through this event. Honorees are working toward sustainability and smart growth, inspiring others to do the same. $105/ticket, $750/table of 8.

CenterStage@NODA, 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte.

Questions/Info: [email protected]

 

 

City of Charlotte Community Earth Day Celebration

April 26, 11:30am-1:30pm

Join us to celebrate Earth Day 2019! Live music from The Otis Band, food trucks, family activities and giveaways for everyone.

GovPorch (Government Center Plaza), 600 E. 4th St., Charlotte

Questions/Info: 704-432-2076 or [email protected].

 

 

Earth Day on the Greenway with Kids in Nature Day

April 27, 10am-2pm

Come out to the Four Mile Creek Greenway behind the Matthews Community Center for eco-friendly exhibits/vendors, rain barrels, HAWK-cycling, free NWF seedlings, hikes and scavenger hunts, kids crafts and fairy houses, document shredding from 10am-12pm.

Four Mile Creek Greenway behind Matthews Community Center

Questions/Info: HAWKNCWF.org

 

 

Earth Day Birthday 2019

April 27, 10am-3pm

Join us for a fun and free family event. 25+ educational exhibits, planetarium programs, participate in a scavenger hunt..

Museum of York County, 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill, SC

Questions/Info: 803-329-2121 or [email protected]

 

 

Earth Day Celebration on the Greenway

April 27, 11am-3pm

Enjoy free entry to the Greenway during the event and activities for all ages from hiking and kayaking to horseback rides. Vendor exhibits, border collie demonstrations, cane pole fishing, recycled fashion showcase. First 1,000 visitors to Earth Day will receive a special giveaway.

Anne Springs Close Greenway, 288 Dairy Barn Ln., Ft. Mill, SC.

Questions/Info: [email protected]

 

 

Earth Day Celebration

April 27, 12-4pm

Learn how to engage in citizen science with the backdrop of the museum’s Keeping Watch on Water: City of Creeks exhibit and our own natural landscape along the Briar Creek. Free. Register: http://charlottemuseum.org/tc-events/earth-day-celebration/

The Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte

Questions/Info: 704-568-1774

 

 

Cornelius Earth Jam 2019

April 27, 4-7pm

Each year we hold our Earth Day Celebration at Robbins Park where participants enjoy free "green" activities including arts & crafts, demonstrations, wildlife habitat improvements, nature walks, and more!

Robbins Park, 17738 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius

Questions/Info: 704-909-8398, Cornelius.org/parc