BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Locals can appreciate the natural beauty of the Lehigh Valley on any day. But there’s one day in particular when we have an opportunity to give back.
That's Earth Day, which this year is Saturday, April 22.
Since the first Earth Day in 1970, more than a billion people have celebrated and protected the environment, officials say.
In America, it helped lead to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and environmental laws such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act, as well as the Clean Air Act.
Here's a list of ways for you to take action this year:
- Allentown: 12-4 p.m. in Allentown Arts Park. "Green" games and activities, education around environmental stewardship and local eco-friendly vendors. There will also be food, music and giveaways.
- Easton Earth Day: 2-6 p.m. in Lower Hackett Park., with a rain date of Sunday, April 23. Enjoy a day of learning and growth as you make a difference.
- Earth Day and Self Reflection at Sayre Mansion: 250 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Featuring the Wicked Botanist, the event includes breakfast, a plant and seed swap, yoga, meditation, pot painting and planting. There also will be tarot card readings, oils and chair massages for an additional fee. $65 per person. Reservations required.
- Earth Day Walk at Monocacy: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. Francis Center for Renewal, 395 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem. The nature program will be led by forest therapy guide Sharon Lohse and includes a two-hour guided walk around Monocacy Manor, followed by snacks, tea and a group reflection.
- Hugh Moore Park Earth Day and Celebrate Trails Day Volunteer Extravaganza: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the National Canal Museum. They are looking for volunteers to help with park cleanup, painting projects and putting up pop-up tents for educational programming.
- Lehigh Gap Nature Center: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the center, 8844 Paint Mill Road, Slatington. Volunteer to get their gardens and refuge ready for the spring and summer.
- Lehigh Mountain and Walking Purchase Park Clean-Up, Allentown: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., with a rain date of Saturday, April 29. Starts at Constitution Drive, at the Norfolk Southern crossing gate. Volunteers are asked to bring their own work gloves and drinking water. Trash bags will be provided. If interested, email eac@salisburytownshippa.org.
- Palmer Township: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Mill Race Park. Join the Environmental Steering Committee and Bushkill Stream Conservancy to learn about Bushkill Creek, stormwater and native plants and enjoy an outdoor day of fun.
- River Drive, Allentown: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This clean-up starts at Keck Park on East Mosser Street. The event is adults-only, with a narrow berm, uneven surfaces, trees and thick brush. Volunteers will get a souvenir. Registration required.
- Whitehall: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Clean up the Jordan Creek Trail in Whitehall (not South Whitehall). The meeting point will be the Home Depot Parking lot at 1350 Macarthur Road. Remember insect repellent. Afterward, there will be hot dogs and refreshments. The first 50 families get a goodie bag with sustainable goods.