Since 1970, April 22 has meant Earth Day to 1 billion people in nearly 200 countries across the globe.
But the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is not waiting until then to begin hosting Earth Day events. On Tuesday the nonprofit announced a comprehensive schedule of both in-person and virtual Earth Day events throughout the month of April.
The organization said its goal is to encourage Pittsburghers to get outdoors and do what they can to leave the environment better than they found it. That means taking part in tree plantings, group cleanups and “pick-your-park” solo cleanup events throughout the city.
Guided hikes and other activities will be offered throughout April. Earth Day events on April 22 include free yoga in Schenley Plaza, free PNC Carousel rides, children’s activities such as kite-making and a bird scavenger hunt. In-person and digital events will be added throughout the month.
Virtual programming includes an April 22 Instagram Live virtual hike with a Parks Conservancy naturalist educator, as well as a Zoom webinar toward the end of the month on the region’s spring mushrooms.
“Just like all Pittsburghers deserve great parks, we all deserve the opportunity to learn about our local nature and celebrate it,” said Caitlin Steve, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy naturalist educator. “This year, every day can be Earth Day for every Pittsburgher. That means providing even more ways to help clean up our local parks and engaging people virtually.”
In past years, the Parks Conservancy’s Earth Day programming culminated in a large festival in Frick Park, but it won’t be held this year due to pandemic related safety precautions.
“As we head into the warmer months, we have an opportunity to celebrate Earth and give back to the parks that have given us so much over the past year,” Steve said.
