Every year, April is dedicated to showing some love to Mother Earth. Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 30) are observed nationally as days to educate everyone about the importance of clean air, land and water. It’s time to think green, and South Florida cities have come up with plenty of ways to bring awareness to energy- and water-saving efforts as well as recycling and the environmental value of planting trees.
Here are ways to take part in a city near you:
Broward
Coconut Creek
The 21st annual Arbor Day Free Tree Giveaway is not letting COVID-19 derail the city’s free event for residents. Converting to a drive-thru event, the annual giveaway will take place at Butterfly Parking Lot, 5280 NW 40th St., from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 24. Residents can enter the event from Banks Road and drive slowly to the appropriate lane for the tree selection. Trees will be placed in the trunks of each vehicle. Lane A is offering avocado, gumbo limbo, mango and orange Geiger trees, while Lane B will include pink tabebuia, silver buttonwood, loquat and yellow trumpet trees. Individuals are advised to have a second or third choice in mind in case their first choice is not available. Visit bit.ly/3cXyqjJ.
Coral Springs
The city of Coral Springs is having a virtual recycled materials art contest for students to show their passion for the planet. From now until 5 p.m. Thursday, April 15, students from kindergarten to 12th grade can submit entries using recycled materials they find around the community. Students must be residents of Coral Springs or attend a school in the city. The submitted artwork will be judged by city staff with the winner set to be announced on Thursday, April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. A first-, second- and third-place winner will be picked from each grade group. The winners will be recognized on the city’s website, social media platforms and displayed at the entrance of the Coral Springs Museum of Art from April 22 to 30. Visit bit.ly/3t7qsKE.
Reimagining its EarthFest Plant Distribution event, the city of Coral Springs is having this year’s affair on Saturday, April 24 at the Sportsplex Tom Hessenheimer Field, 2575 Sportsplex Drive, from 9 a.m. to noon. This year’s free EarthFest event will include nature exhibits, community garden information and plant giveaways for Coral Springs residents only. The city will also be hosting a clean-up throughout the city, beginning at 9 a.m. Individuals interested in volunteering must be 14 or older. Volunteer hours are eligible for service hours credibility. Volunteers can register at coralsprings.org/volunteer.
Davie
Celebrate Earth Day with Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival On Location at Marando Farms & Ranch, 5151 SW 64th Ave., on Thursday, April 22 with a farm-to-fork dinner and the new documentary, “Kiss the Ground,” narrated by Woody Harrelson. The event, hosted by Beatriz and Albert Miniaci, begins at 6 p.m. with a free cocktail and an opportunity to explore the grounds of the farm, and a garden walk and talk. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. with the film at 8 p.m. on a 12-foot screen. Cost is $75 per person. Advance tickets are available at fliff.com/dinner.
Deerfield Beach
The city will celebrate Earth Month with the annual Tree Giveaway from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 1 at Oveta McKeithen Park, 445 SW Second St. The tree giveaway is for homeowners who have the ability to plant a tree on their property. Residents receive one tree per household and must show proof of residency. Time slots are available for advance registration for those who would like to select their trees ahead of time. All those who don’t register can receive a tree on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Time slots are 9 to 10 a.m. for those who register in advance at DFB.city/registration until April 28 and 10 a.m. to noon for non-registered homeowners on a first-come, first-severed basis. The giveaway will feature fruit, flowering, evergreen and palm trees. There will be two lanes, the first for fruit trees and the second for all other trees. The trees available at this year’s giveaway include pomegranate, noni, achacha, evergreen and palm: bulnesia, Simpson stopper and Thatch palm. Call 954-480-4210. Visit DFB.city/EarthMonth.
Fort Lauderdale
Launching its latest exhibit, ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., is commemorating Earth Day with its “Changing Landscapes” art display. Available through Thursday, April 22, the environmentally-themed exhibit will focus on climate solutions and sustainability. The gallery hours include Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guests will be able to enjoy a community display — “1,000 Ocean Memories” — which gives them the opportunity to contribute a memento of a favorite beach or ocean-related memory. The mementos will be displayed on the main wall at ArtServe through the “Changing Landscapes” exhibit. To submit a memento, visit artserve.org/portfolio-item/1000-ocean-memories/. The exhibit will also include virtual events available through the ArtServe Facebook Live page and Zoom. The virtual schedule includes “Connecting the Dots — How Farmland, Ranchland and Wetland Intersect at Lake Okeechobee” on Tuesday, April 20 at noon and “Artist Talk #2 with Exhibiting Artists” on Wednesday, April 28 at 3 p.m. Visit artserve.org/portfolio-item/changing-landscapes/.
Join New York Times bestseller and Australian author/illustrator Andrew Joyner at the Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., on Wednesday, April 21 for a behind-the-scenes experience on his book, “Stand Up! Speak Up!: A story inspired by the Climate Change Revolution.” After his presentation, Joyner will demonstrate how individuals can also write, illustrate and publish their own “Stand Up! and Speak Up! mini-book. The event will run from 6 to 7 p.m. Materials required include a sheet of copy paper, scissors and utensils to draw with such as pencils and pens. To register, visit bit.ly/3uzEUuY.
The sixth annual Heal the Planet Day is heading to Esplanade Park, 400 SW Second St., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 25. The free event will offer festivities for children and adults, including live music and health/wellness speakers. Children will be able to enjoy face painting, Yoga for Kids, singing bowls, a transformational art project and more. Individuals can visit the Grow Your Own Zone, which will include presentations on easy and efficient ways to grow their own food. Food trucks, as well as clothing and craft vendors, will be in attendance. Registration is required. Visit healtheplanet.com/heal-the-planet-day-2021-2/.
Photographer Lisette Morales and friends will have a free virtual tour and Earth Day celebration of her new History Fort Lauderdale exhibition, “Beyond the Shimmering Waters,” at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Morales’ work highlights women actively working to protect the rights of future generations on Earth. The exhibit includes female-identifying South Florida history makers from a variety of backgrounds. Special guest Lupita Vázquez Reyes, who is featured in the exhibit, will be on location from a community garden in Immokalee. To register, visit bit.ly/HFLEarthDayMorales2021. Free.
Margate
Promoting the protection of the environment, the city of Margate is having a Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Disposal event on Saturday, April 24 at the Oriole Park parking lot, 7055 NW First St., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents will have the opportunity to safely dispose of household hazardous waste and shredding of sensitive documents for no cost. Hazardous waste items include paint cans, pool chemicals, compact fluorescent light bulbs, cleaners, oils, batteries or household pesticides. Any electronic item that has a plug or takes batteries is also eligible to be recycled. Individuals must show proof of Margate residency. Visit margatefl.com/hhw.
Bring your documents to shred and recycle, and We Florida Financial, in partnership with One Tree Planted, will plant a tree in Florida during the Shred-a-Tree Plant-a-Tree Drive-Thru from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 22 at 1982 N. State Road 7. Free. Open to everyone. One Tree Planted is a national nonprofit organization that focuses on global reforestation. Founded in 1952 for the benefit of municipal employees in Broward County, We Florida Financial is a cooperatively owned, not-for-profit credit union with 45,000 members.
Exclusively for Margate residents (proof of residency is required), the city’s Tree Giveaway will take place from 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, May 1 during a no-contact drive-thru event on Margate Boulevard and U.S. Highway 441 (entrance on Seton Drive). There is a limit of one tree per residential address while supplies last. No walk-ups will be allowed. Pop your trunk and city staff will put the selected tree in your trunk. Everyone must wear a mask and remain in their vehicle. Call the Parks and Recreation Department at 954-972-6458.
Miramar
Residents can join in on the city of Miramar’s “Watching Miramar Grow!” event on Thursday, April 22. Register to receive a free seedling kit to help the city’s initiative in planting more trees around the community. After receiving their kits, individuals are encouraged to share their progress on Instagram and Facebook using #EarthDayMiramar! Visit eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-tickets-147881679083.
Miramar Mayor Wayne M. Messam is inviting residents to take part in the 10th annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. The free drive-thru event will take place at the Multi Service Complex, 6700 Miramar Parkway, from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 24. Attendees will receive water conservation kits while children will receive goodies as well. In addition, there will be information on savings provided through Broward County. To register, visit bit.ly/2Rdzvvb.
The Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place, is having the “Our Planet | Our Future” environmental art exhibit until May 16. The multifaceted exhibit features works by local, national and international artists, designers, engineers, writers and architects. Visit miramarculturalcenter.org/1724/Cultural-Affairs.
Pembroke Pines
Families can gather their art supplies and visit the Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan St., at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 28 to create something based on Paul Czajak’s book, “Trees Make Perfect Pets.” Once finishing, guests will be able to share their creations at the end of the program. To register, visit bit.ly/3fUCJ1c.
Pompano Beach
The Latin American Art Pavilion is showing the “Somos Vida/We are Life” art exhibit at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd., from April 9 to June 30. Addressing environmental issues such as overpopulation and recycling, artists will be paying a tribute to Earth Day. The Pompano Beach Cultural Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is open for performances on Saturday and Sunday. Visit pompanobeacharts.org/cc and latinamericanartpavilion.com/.
Green Market Pompano Beach, which is now at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd., is continuing its tradition of providing the community with fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, local honey, seafood and other products. The market will be hosting a special Earth Day event on Saturday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Along with its usual festivities, individuals can learn how to support the environment during the market’s Earth Day event. Parking is available at City Hall as well as on the south side of the Cultural Center and Library campus. Masks, social distancing and one-way foot traffic will be enforced throughout the event. Visit pompanobeachfl.gov.
Sunrise
The Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch Library, 10500 W. Oakland Park Blvd., is giving individuals the chance to join librarians Sheldon and Victoria on Thursday, April 22 as they discuss different ways to make homes more sustainable. The event will run from noon to 1 p.m. Register at bit.ly/3dJ1SsZ.
Weston
Residents can celebrate Earth Day by picking up and taking home a craft bag from the Weston Branch Library, 4205 Bonaventure Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Craft bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The event is sponsored by the Weston Friends of the Library. Visit broward.libnet.info/event/5026008.
Miami-Dade
Miami
Earth Day presented by FPL SolarNow, a celebration featuring a series of activities and programs that highlight this year’s movement to restore the Earth, including connecting with onsite scientists, exploring emerging green technologies and more, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 17 at Frost Museum of Science, 1101 Biscayne Blvd. Free with paid museum admission. For a full schedule, visit frostscience.org/event/earth-day-2021/.
In honor of Earth Day (Thursday, April 22), guests at the 1 Beach Club at the 1 Hotel South Beach are invited to participate in a beach clean-up from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and enjoy a Mijenta tequila cocktail at Wave with proceeds benefiting Debris Free Ocean. Cost is $15. Visit bit.ly/3sm0HEX. From 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 23, 1 Beach Club will host a Sustainable Fashion Show from students at DASH (Design Architecture Senior High) School of Miami. Free. Visit bit.ly/3tojEIm.
The Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., is celebrating Earth Day with its “City of Trash” performance on Saturday, April 24 at 11 a.m. Streaming live via Zoom, the virtual puppet show will be followed by an interactive workshop, allowing members of the audience to build their own puppets using pieces of trash and found objects. Only one ticket reservation is required per household. A Zoom conference call link will be emailed to registered individuals within 24 hours of the performance. Visit bit.ly/3wGwJyM.
Palm Beach
Boca Raton
From live animal encounters to interactive activities, the Daggerwing Nature Center, 11435 Park Access Road, is offering an array of free Earth Day festivities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 24. Guests can also enjoy the butterfly plant sale, ladybug release as well as other activities. Some of the festivities will include a minimal cash or check donation to Friends of Daggering Nature Center. Reservations are not required. Visit discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Pages/Daggerwing.aspx.
The city is addressing the five pillars of this year’s global theme of Restore Our Earth in the following ways: The Canopy Project: Earthday.org‘s project plants tree seedlings around the world. Support trees in Boca Raton through this year’s Project Shade Tree (obtain larger trees, delivered and installed for a discounted price, order by April 30 at bit.ly/2Qeef8e) or by attending the Tree Canopy Assessment workshop on May 12 (bit.ly/3s9ELgd). Food and Environment: The city has been recognizing and educating on the connection between diet and the environment. Watch the webinar “How to Grow and Eat a Climate Diet” or check out Gumbo Limbo Nature Center’s #SustainableSundays for information. Visit bit.ly/3wPwd1w. The Great Global Cleanup: To pick up litter at the beach in Boca Raton, grab one of the Community Clean Up Buckets at any of the city’s beachfront parks. Climate Literacy: The city is working to better understand the impacts of climate change on the community through its Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. Visit myboca.us/1422/Climate-Action. Global Earth Challenge: Join the city for the City Nature Challenge from April 30 to May 3. Download the iNaturalist App and go outside to make observations anywhere in the city or the Beach and Park District. Observations made between April 30 and May 3 will automatically be added to the City Nature Challenge Boca Raton Project. They should be of wild specimens — birds, butterflies, insects, and mammals that come and go from your yard, or the plants and trees you see walking around your neighborhood or through parks and natural areas. Visit bit.ly/2OGkfpM. Earth Week EV Ride & Drive: Virtual electric vehicle ride and drive with race car driver and environmental activist Leilani Munter at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 24. Register at bit.ly/evridedriveleilani.
Boynton Beach
The city has collaborated with nonprofits aZul for Better Living and Sea Turtle Adventures to dress up 12 trees in sustainable recycled fabrics with floral patterns. Adults with special needs are able to express their artistic talents while bringing awareness to nature and the trees with the program. Everyone is invited to take photos and share them through social media with #GoGreenBoynton. Participants will be placed in a drawing to win a $20 gift card to a Go Green Business program participant in and around downtown Boynton Beach. Nine trees are along East Ocean Avenue from City Hall to Federal Highway. One oak tree is in the playground behind Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, 129 E. Ocean Ave. Two oak trees are outside the Ezell Hester Jr. Community Center, 1901 N. Seacrest Blvd. Visit GoGreenBoynton.com.
Throughout April, Boynton Beach Mayor Steven B. Grant is joining mayors across the country for the 10th Anniversary of the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation by asking residents to make the pledge to manage water resources in their homes, reduce pollution and save energy. Residents can win $3,000 toward their home utility payments, water-saving fixtures and other prizes. A charity from a winning city will receive a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Visit mywaterpledge.com to participate.
Make and Take Craft projects include recycled plastic bottle planters and seed bombs April 19-30 at the Boynton City Library, 100 E. Ocean Ave. Visit the library to pick up supplies to turn used plastic water bottles into a flower garden. Craft a “seed bomb” packed with sunflower seeds to grow at home. Also search the library’s shelves on a scavenger hunt to learn more about native plants and pollinators. Call 561-742-6390.
The Boynton Beach Mall, 801 N. Congress Ave., will plant a tree outside the east main entrance near the food court on Thursday, April 22 in partnership with BrightView Landscaping to celebrate Earth Day. The tree will be dedicated to Boynton Beach’s essential employees who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic. A KidX Earth Day Celebration crafting event will take place at the mall from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 24. The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium will be sharing its Pollinating Plants and Flower Dissection lab in which kids will learn the best ways to grow flowers and plants by conducting a seed bomb experiment. Participants are invited to stop at the Boynton Beach Mall table to pick up a free goody bag of Earth Day crafts while supplies last. Parents are encouraged to register their children for the KidX Club before the event to avoid filling out an application on paper. Parents can register at bit.ly/31XseC8. Visit boyntonbeachmall.com.
Delray Beach
The city is celebrating Earth Day all month with the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Residents can take the pledge to save on water and energy at mywaterpledge.com. The first 50 residents to sign a pledge can receive a free water conservation kit from the city’s Utilities Department by emailing a screenshot of the completed pledge to dalym@mydelraybeach.com. The kit includes a low-flow showerhead, aerators, and other tools to save water and money at home. Residents in winning cities are eligible to win additional prizes, including money toward their home utility bill and a Toyota Highlander Hybrid for their favorite charity. Participants can also earn points through Wyland’s My Volunteer Water Project at wylandfoundation.ecochallenge.org/.
Community Greening and the Delray Beach Parks & Recreation Department are giving out 200 free trees on Saturday, April 24 at the Community Center, 50 NW First Ave. Trees available include slash pine, gumbo limbo, pigeon plum, Barbados cherry, jackfruit, mango and avocado. Reserved trees may be picked up from 10 to 11 a.m., and from 11 a.m. to noon, trees can be picked up on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a tree, visit bit.ly/39SaagR. The city has the goal to plant 10,000 trees by 2025. Email info@communitygreening.org or call 561-927-8733.