Many organizations are collaborating to provide Earth Day opportunities in Fairfax County and the Washington, D.C., area.  Events and activities are listed here by date and time.

Saturday, April 21

9 a.m. to noon – Cub Run RECenter will host a free Roots Shoots Earth Day event for kids five and older and their families. Participants will interact with nature and learn about the environment and endangered species. Activities include planting, weeding, mulching, trash clean-up and crafts for kids.   

10 a.m. to Noon – Stop by for an Earth Day celebration at the James Lee Community Center. Activities include a community cleanup of the center and its grounds; Earth Day crafts; seed plantings; sneaker recycling, and a reading of Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax.” Activities are free and open to everyone. For more information, call 703-534-3387, TTY 711.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Alexandria Earth Day at Ben Brenman Park. The event focuses on efficient and eco-friendly transportation options such as walking, bicycling, ridesharing, and riding public transit. Activities include recycling and composting demonstrations, live music, an Arbor Day tree planting, a performance by Blue Sky Puppets, and a launch of the Eco-City Action Plan Phase II. Stop by the Patch booth and say hello!

Sunday, April 22

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Earth Day on the National Mall includes a massive rally, top musicians, civic leaders, and celebrity speakers. The Environmental Protection Agency will also host family-friendly hands-on activities in their National Sustainable Design Expo where EPA, green businesses, non-profits and college students from across the country will showcase their efforts to protect the planet.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Celebrate Earth Day at the National Zoo and meet the Smithsonian National Zoo’s Green Team experts, participate in “green”-themed crafts, and learn simple daily actions that help you enjoy a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. State Farm® will host a special children’s area at the Kids’ Farm where children can make their own plant pots with recycled newspapers, as well as a garden journal.

1 to 3 p.m. – Earth Day: A Family Celebration at Tudor Place. The historic house and garden in Georgetown hosts a family event with activities including games, a scavenger hunt, painting flower pots and planting them with seeds from the historic garden. Eco-friendly refreshments will be served. Admission: Member Child – $5; Non-Member Child – $8; Accompanying Adult – $5. Limited availability remains; call (202) 965-0400 ext. 110, to reserve.

Monday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – All are welcome at the Hollin Hall Senior Center for its third annual Plant Swap. Assess your garden or your houseplants and dig up those “extra” plants and bring them in for others to enjoy. New gardeners may arrive empty handed and take some plants from others. For more information, call 703-765-4573, TTY 711.

Saturday, April 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Join dozens of environmental nonprofits and county agencies at the Earth Day/Arbor Day joint celebration at the Fairfax County Government Center. Activities will include free document shredding, wildlife demonstrations, a litter cleanup, a tree walk, displays by many local volunteer organizations and more. To learn more, visit the county’s event page.

Sunday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Celebrate Earth Day by getting rid of those old electronics cluttering your house in an environmentally friendly way. Take advantage of Electric Sunday and drop off your items at the I-66 Transfer Station.