Today marks the 56th anniversary of Earth Day, an annual event launched on April 22, 1970 when 20 million Americans (10% of the US population at the time) took to the streets, neighborhoods, and cities to protest environmental issues.
The first Earth Day focused on smog, oil spills, and rivers that were so polluted the water caught on fire.
Over the years, Earth Day has become a day of education, cleanup, and other efforts to raise awareness of what we can do to protect the Earth.
If you’re looking for ways you can make a difference on Earth Day, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a helpful infographic of 10 simple choices for a healthier Earth.
For folks in southeast Michigan, I’ve found a few Earth Day activities and events you may be interested in joining:
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Clark Park Earth Day: Join in a hands-on event to celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up Clark Park in Detroit, Michigan on April 22, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.
Bring your energy, gloves, and positive vibes; we’ll provide the tools! Free, pre-registration required. -
Urban Youth Agriculture (UYA) Farm 6th Annual Earth Day: The event brings bringing the community together to celebrate environmental awareness, youth engagement, and outdoor fun with planting, painting, horse rides, food, and family fun.
The event will be held April 26, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan from 2:00PM to 5:00PM Eastern Daylight Time. Free, pre-registration for UYA 6th Annual Earth Day required.
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Earth Day in Cherry Hill Village: Hosted by the Village Arts Factory and Canton Nature Society, the second annual Earth Day event features arts and crafts, snacks, and music.
A variety of free saplings will be available (while supplies last) for participants to take home to plant.
Free and open to the public, the event takes place on April 28, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Workman Square. No registration is required.
Photo credit: NASA, photo taken April 2, 2026, by an Artemis II crew member aiming a camera through a window of the Orion spacecraft.
