Earth Day is this Sunday, April 22. Since Ann Arbor is also known as “Tree Town,” you can imagine there will be plenty of activities to contribute to the well-being of our community. Here are our top picks, along with some tips on going greener all year round. All of these events are free and family-friendly.
Huron River Clean-Up Hike
Fjallraven | Ann Arbor | 9am-12pm
Fjällräven, sustainable outdoor gear company, downtown Ann Arbor will be hosting their annual Earth Day Huron River Clean up hike. Meet at the store Sunday, April 22nd in the morning at 9:00 am for Roos Roast coffee and Avalon Bakery pastries! Fjallraven will provide gloves and trash bags for clean up. Hike and clean, then return back to the store where Arbor Brewing Company will be providing lunch at 11:30 am and the group will then walk to HopCat to continue the party! We will also be providing door prizes for the event and 40% off for participants!
Earth Day at the Sunday Artisan Market
Sunday Artisan Market | Ann Arbor | 11am–4pm
It’s Earth Day at the Market! Joan Hutchinson of Fairview Studios will demonstrate making a Wheel of Life out of feathers and a circle of vines. Other artists will feature their creations that are re-used, re-usable, earth-friendly, and/or organic.
Stewardship Workday – Maryfield Wildwood Park
Maryfield Wildwood Park | Ann Arbor | 9am -12pm
Maryfield Wildwood is a neighborhood park featuring a wooded ravine. In the spring the redbud trees bloom with bright pink blossoms. Celebrate Earth Day with NAP by pulling invasive species, allowing more native plants to grow. Join us at the intersection of Linwood and Wilton Streets. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.
Miller Nature Area Fun Run and Stewardship Workday
Miller Nature Area | Ann Arbor | 12–4pm
Start with a Free Fun Run hosted by Running Fit and then volunteer for trail cleanup. Runners will be meeting up at noon to do a group run/ explore the 22 acres of the Miller Nature Area near downtown Ann Arbor. Afterward, there will be some snacks, and then help out the City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation celebrate Earth Day by pulling invasive dame’s rocket and garlic mustard around the park.
Snacks provided and some prizes for the most proficient pullers!
If you’re not a runner, you can still help out the City of Ann Arbor. Cleanup starts at 1 pm, meeting at the south park entrance off of Arborview Boulevard, just east of Wildwood Avenue. Get outside and protect biodiversity on Earth Day! Despite this park’s history of logging, farming, and gravel mining, progress has been made to restore its natural beauty. Join NAP to continue the restoration process by pulling invasive dame’s rocket and garlic mustard. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.
Kids Seed Craft + Earth Day Giveaway!
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market | Ypsilanti | 12–3pm
What better way to celebrate the Earth than by playing in the dirt?! Fresh Thyme Farmers Market will be hosting an Earth Day – inspired kids activity by planting fast-growing seeds in soil for kids to take home and grow. While you’re there, stop by the giveaway table for a chance to win a basket full of natural cleaning products and other environmentally-friendly products.
Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival
Leslie Science & Nature Center | 12–4pm
The Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival is an annual celebration coordinated by the Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival Planning Committee, a coalition of local environmental nonprofits and agencies, and held at Leslie Science & Nature Center. This free, family-friendly event features displays from 40 local environmental, nonprofit, and governmental organizations; live animal demonstrations; hands-on activities; live entertainment; green building & commuting technologies; energy topics; water awareness; sustainable agriculture; and more.
Earth Day Ypsi!
Cultivate Coffee and TapHouse | Ypsilanti | 3-7pm
Cultivate is partnering with the Ypsilanti Sustainability Commission to bring a FREE, all ages gathering for the community. Ypsi’s Sustainability Commissioners will be there for a meet & greet along with community organizations passionate about building a sustainable world. Come meet them and let them know your concerns & what green issues are important to you! Excellent food by Jamaican Spice LLC, delicious and nutritious REAL Jamaican food: chicken & vegetarian plate options with rice & peas & plantains. See link for all organizations that will be present and activities that will be happening.
Earth Day at HCA2
HopCat | Ann Arbor | 10am–10pm
(Growing Hope in-house: 1-3pm)
For Earth Day, HopCat Ann Arbor is teaming up with 11 different breweries to raise money for healthy, productive green space through Growing Hope. This nonprofit works to empower local communities to grow fresh produce, revitalize neighborhoods, and teach one another the beauty and hope that comes from nurturing the soil, seeds, and self. Growing Hope will be in-house to answer questions and provide information on how you can get involved from 1:00p – 3:00p.
Each pint sold from their Earth Day beer list will result in $1 being donated toward Growing Hope. (See link for beer list).
Do you know of a great Earth Day celebration/activity in the Greater Ann Arbor area? Let us know in the comments!
Go Greener Tip #5: cut back on your commute and live in the place where work and love! Do you want to know more about living in the Ann Arbor area? Take a look at our Community Guides to learn more about neighborhoods, view current listings, and find your dream home! Start your home search by setting up a FREE account on our website today. Happy Earth Day and happy house hunting!
We cover all of Washtenaw County including Chelsea, Dexter, Ypsilanti, and Saline. Give us a call at 734-747-7500. We’re also available via email at info@bhhssnyder.com.