Earth Day, the international day of demonstration and support for global environmental protection, is this weekend and Brooklynites are gearing up to celebrate and advocate for the planet and their communities.
Since April 22, 1970 — the first-ever Earth Day, organized by a US Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson — billions of people from over 193 countries have worked each year to mark the day with acts of community service, planting trees, cleaning up their neighborhoods, learning about climate change and more.
Brooklyn is no exception. Across the borough, local organizations, businesses and schools are hosting events to commemorate Earth Day. Here are some ways you can get involved:
Earth Day at the Naval Cemetery Landscape
63 Williamsburg St W. at the Brooklyn Navy Yard
April 20, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Join the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative for a morning of gardening and stewardship at both the Naval Cemetery Landscape and the neighboring Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway! Volunteers will be guided in identifying and removing invasive species growing in the area as well as aerating tree pits, removing trash and more. Volunteers will meet with members of the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative and have the chance to learn more about the area’s ecology. Registration is required and free!
Car-free Earth Day with NYC DOT
40th-45th street and Fifth Avenue in Sunset Park
April 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Have you ever seen a street with no cars? Enjoy a car-free Earth Day through an expansion of the NYC Department of Transportation’s Open Streets program in Sunset Park! The event closes off certain select streets to cars allowing for more foot traffic and cycling opportunities. And with the support of Lyft, Citi Bike is offering unlimited 30 minute rides on a classic Citi Bike for the day. Riders can take advantage of this by using the promo code CARFREE24 in the Citi Bike app.
Earth Day at Owl’s Head Park
Colonial Road and 68th Street in Bay Ridge
April 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Join Bay Ridge Cares and Bay Ridge Environmental Group for a day of fun — and giving back! The Earth Day celebration will kick off with with a clean-up of the park, fence and bench painting, and planting. Participants can also get in on a compost and plant giveaway, family lawn games and more. Kids can also enjoy a performance from Kids Science Circus.
Put down roots at 400 Montauk Community Garden
392 Montauk Ave. in East New York
April 20, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Join fellow gardening enthusiasts and staff from GreenThumb, the largest community gardening program in the nation, for a day of volunteering at the 400 Montauk Community Garden plot in East New York. Practice gardening design skills, meet other gardeners and volunteers, clean up the area, build raised beds and more! Gloves and tools will be provided but make sure to bring water and wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty in.
‘Farming While Black’ film screening
SEED Brklyn, 1217 Bedford Ave. in Bed-Stuy
April 20, 6-11 p.m.
In honor of Earth Day, SEED Brklyn is hosting a one-night screening experience for the groundbreaking documentary, “Farming While Black.” The feature-length film takes viewers on an enlightening journey into the world of Black farming in America, exploring the historical challenges faced by Black farmers and the inspiring resurgence led by Leah Penniman, co-founder of Soul Fire Farm in upstate New York. The screening is free and open to the public, but guests are encouraged to RSVP here to reserve a spot.
Earth Day hike at Marine Park
Salt Marsh Nature Center in Marine Park, 3301 Avenue U
April 21, 12-1 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day and enjoy the springtime weather on this nature exploration hike at the Salt Marsh Nature Center in Marine Park! Learn more about the local ecology and biodiversity from NYC urban park rangers as well as the significance of Earth Day, especially in areas like Brooklyn. Make sure to bring water and wear comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes.
Kids gardening at Prospect Park
Bowling Green Cottage at the Prospect Park Parade Grounds, 397A Coney Island Ave.
April 22, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Even if school’s out, there is still time to learn! Celebrate Earth Day during the DOE Spring Recess with NYC Parks and help beautify the Bowling Green Cottage at the Prospect Park Parade Grounds with some gardening. Learn how to plant using a garden bed and have the opportunity to take a plant home to start your very own indoor garden.
