Earth Month kicked off in spectacular fashion with a partial eclipse here in South Florida. But that shouldn’t overshadow the slew of environmental-themed events leading up to Earth Day on Monday, April 22, and Arbor Day on Friday, April 26.
Earthday.org has chosen “Planet vs. Plastics” as this year’s theme, with the goal of highlighting damage caused by plastics and microplastics.
South Florida PBS investigates plastic and its effects on human health in a documentary by filmmaker Rory Fielding titled “We’re All Plastic People Now.” Coproduced by South Florida PBS, with an introduction by actor Ted Danson, is available for streaming anytime at pbs.org.
Broward County Public Schools will go plastic-free for breakfast and lunch on Earth Day as a way to raise awareness and minimize its use. The Food and Nutrition Services Department plans to serve finger foods and use paper trays and containers, while high school students will receive bamboo forks.
Efforts to clean beaches, parks and roadways have been at the heart of Earth Day since it was first observed in 1970.
More than 15 Winn-Dixie employees from stores across South Florida recently picked up litter at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which covers more than 440 acres on the southern tip of Key Biscayne.
Port Everglades worked with two conservation groups on Earth Day to drill oyster shells, string and hang them from dock crests as a way to clean Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, reinforce reefs and create new oyster colonies.
Below, find ways to show your appreciation for Mother Earth — and learn about conservation and sustainability initiatives — in a city near you this year.
TREE GIVEAWAYS
- Dania Beach: Receive a free crape myrtle (flowering) or oak (shade) tree during a drive-up event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25, on Fronton Boulevard near Frost Park, 300 NE Second St. There is a limit of one tree per vehicle, while supplies last. Visit daniabeachfl.gov.
- Deerfield Beach: Residents who want to plant a new tree on their property can attend a giveaway on Saturday, April 27, at the Bernard Adams Municipal Complex, 401 SW Fourth St. Those who sign up in advance can pick up their tree from 8 to 9 a.m., while nonregistered homeowners can receive a tree on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m. to noon. Proof of residency is required. Fruit, flowering, evergreen and palm trees will be available. Visit deerfield-beach.com/calendar.
- Margate: Drive up, pop your trunk and receive a free tree starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 27, until supplies last, at the northwest corner of State Road 7 and Margate Boulevard. Vehicles may enter on Seton Drive to receive one tree per address. Proof of residency is required. Walk-ups are not allowed. Visit margatefl.com.
CLEANUP
- Greenacres: Come out to Greenacres Freedom Park, 2400 Pinehurst Drive, from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 27, to volunteer for the Great American Cleanup. Cleaning materials, refreshments and lunch will be provided. Volunteers get a T-shirt (while supplies last) and community service credit. Children younger than 12 may participate with a parent or guardian. Wear appropriate work clothing and shoes. Visit greenacresfl.gov.
FESTIVALS
- Boca Raton: Celebrate Earth Day with a variety of activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the Daggerwing Nature Center in Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park, 11435 Park Access Road. There will be live animal encounters, crafts, environmental presentations, a butterfly plant sale, ladybug release, and meet-and-greets with Oakly, the PBC Parks & Recreation mascot. Some activities require cash or check donation to Friends of Daggerwing Nature Center. Visit discover.pbcgov.org/parks.
- Coral Springs: EarthFest will have nature exhibits, a plant giveaway, animal encounters and children’s activities from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 27, at Sawgrass Nature Center, 3000 Sportsplex Drive. Residents can learn about city sustainability programs including composting, hazardous waste disposal and single-use plastic reduction. Also learn about the newly expanded Coral Springs Community Garden. Plant giveaways are for Coral Springs residents only. Availability is limited and ID is required. Visit CoralSprings.gov/Earthfest.
OTHER EVENTS
- Pompano Beach: “The Spirit of This Place” exhibition features works by conservation photographer Phoenix through May 25 at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd. The Fort Lauderdale resident’s images “reflect her devotion to protecting the natural environment, sense of oneness with the light and soul of the land and its inhabitants and a reverence for wild places,” according to the center. Free. Visit pompanobeachfl.gov.
- Juno Beach: The 12th annual Catwalk Student Fashion Show will bring wearable art pieces made from upcycled materials to the runway at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 U.S. Highway 1. This year’s theme is inspired by the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and its marine conservation efforts. More than 24 middle and high school students took on the challenge to transform items from the Resource Depot, a nonprofit creative reuse center, into fashion designs with a message. The creations will be on display in the GalleRE exhibition at Resource Depot, 2508 Florida Ave., West Palm Beach, from May 3 to June 8. An opening reception will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 3. Free. Visit resourcedepot.org/all-upcoming-events.
- Boca Raton: Help plant 40 new trees with Community Greening and the city at 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, along the walking trail of the Spanish River Athletic Complex, 1000 Spanish River Blvd. Gloves, water and snacks will be provided. Arborists and tree technicians will be on-site for guidance. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Wear closed-toed shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Register in advance at eventbrite.com.
