News

From Raleigh to New Bern, there are quite a few events lined up to help you celebrate the 52nd-annual Earth Day. So, step into the sunshine this weekend, learn something new and celebrate this great planet! Whether you’re up for a wagon tour of a farm, learning about the good work being done at Franklinton Center at Bricks or meeting new Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop at a documentary screening at the North Carolina Museum of Art, there’s a way for everyone to celebrate Earth Day in 2022. Here are just a few events — at least one of them is bound to be near YOU!

FOUNTAIN

Earth Day Celebration

When: April 24, 2 p.m. ­– 5 p.m.

Where: Green Roof Farm, 1822 Old Market Road, Fountain

What: The Cypress Group of the Sierra Club, in association with National Earth Day 2022, local schools and environmental groups in Pitt County, is sponsoring an Earth Day celebration at the Green Roof Farm, a historic and beautifully maintained Pitt County family farm in Fountain. Dating back to the 1800s, the farm is being restored and dedicated to land conservation and sustainability best practices. Join The Cypress Group for an afternoon on the farm and enjoy activities including:

• Wagon tours of the farm and examples of restoration/conservation efforts
• Presentations by students and others addressing climate change issues
• On-hand experts to address questions related to community gardening, local environmental concerns, and best practices for sustainable farming methods
• Demonstrations by local environmental groups
• Antique farm tools display
• Music and Food
• Fun activities around the farm

Masks and hand sanitizer will be available according to CDC guidelines.

FOUR OAKS

Earth Day Nature Play Day

When: April 22, noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, 6601 Devils Racetrack Road, Four Oaks, Johnston County

What: Happy Earth Day! To celebrate, Howell Woods is happy to offer a Nature Play Day to the public! It will consist of fun materials to play with, from bubbles to paints and more! Please wear closed-toed shoes and dress for the weather. This program is for all ages, however, children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is free to the public.

GRIFTON

A Time for Science Earth Day Celebration

When: April 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Contentnea Creek (A Time for Science), 949 Contentnea Lane, Grifton

What: The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Contentnea Creek will be celebrating Earth Day with this free event, a great day of fun, outdoor activities that will highlight what a wonderful world we live on. During the Earth Day Celebration there will be kayaking, live music from Wyldwood Stringband, wagon rides, hands-on activities, guided nature hikes and food trucks Jamerican Hotdogs and Oh My Gyro.

NEW BERN

Union Point Park Earth Day Celebration

When: April 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Union Point Park, 210 E. Front St., New Bern

What: New Bern now has teamed up with New Bern Parks & Recreation to host New Bern’s 4th Earth Day Celebration at Union Point Park. Come out and celebrate with Carolina Nature Coalition and others how we can enjoy and preserve our beautiful planet.

RALEIGH

“Hidden Rivers” outdoor film screening, North Carolina Museum of Art

When: April 22, 8 p.m.

Where: North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

What: Commemorate Earth Day with a movie under the stars. Ten years in the making, Hidden Rivers (2019, NR) is a documentary that explores the rivers and streams of the Southern Appalachian region, North America’s most biologically rich waters. The film follows the work of biologists and explorers throughout the region and reveals both the beauty and vulnerability of these ecosystems.

Come early to learn more about local environmental organizations and how you can get involved. Your new Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop will be there representing Sound Rivers. Drop by and meet her! Tickets must be purchased in advance or at the gate via your phone. Buy tickets online here. Cost is $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers.

Earth Day Service Project in the Park, North Carolina Museum of Art

When: April 23, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Where: North Carolina Museum of Art, Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater In The Museum Park, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

What: Steward the Museum Park this Earth Day by helping staff in their restoration initiatives. Volunteers will plant native species in the Park to increase biodiversity and provide habitat for wildlife. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring a water bottle, and dress for the outdoors. Ages 12 and up.

Earth Day Family Day, North Carolina Museum of Art

When: April 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

What: Celebrate Earth Day with the NCMA! Visitors of all ages can enjoy free access to the special exhibition Fault Lines: Art and the Environment, create eco-inspired hands-on art projects, and meet artists and environmentalists whose work impacts and preserves the natural beauty of our community. Special activities include:

• Free admission to Fault Lines. Walk-up tickets only, available at the East Building Ticket Desk. Capacity is limited.
• Hands-on art-making activities in the Museum and Park that explore the environment and ecology of North Carolina’s mountains, piedmont and ocean.
• Family friendly exhibition tour (10:30 – 11 a.m.). First come, first served. Capacity is limited.
• ecoEXPLORE nature walks with NC Museum of Natural Sciences (10:30 – 11 a.m.; 11 a.m. – noon). First come, first served. Capacity is limited.
• Kuumba Community Drum Circle with Robert J. Corbitt III (noon – 1 p.m.).

ROCKY MOUNT

Braswell Memorial Library Earth Day Celebration

When: April 22, 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Braswell Memorial Library, 727 N. Grace St., Rocky Mount

What: Celebrate Earth Day with Braswell Memorial Library! Come get a free packet of flower seeds to help plant and renourish the earth from 10 a.m. to noon, while supplies last.

SCOTLAND NECK

Sylvan Heights Bird Park’s Earth Day Celebration

When: April 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Sylvan Heights Bird Park, 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck

What: Sylvan Heights Bird Park’s Earth Day Celebration is free with paid park admission or membership. An N.C. Science Festival event. Local organizations with an environmental focus will set up hands on educational exhibits for all ages. Join us for our biggest STEM celebration of the year and an opportunity to learn about the uses and impacts of science in our daily lives by engaging in hands-on learning with local museums, universities, environmental organizations and STEM professionals.
Help us celebrate the NCSciFest theme “Engineering Tomorrow,” participate in the “Bird Nest Engineering Challenge” and more special exhibits, activities and crafts for the whole family!

WASHINGTON

Harbor District Cleanup

When: April 23, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Where: Mac “Bear” Hodges Festival Park, 119 Water St., Washington

What: Bring a pair of gloves and help us clean up the Harbor District to celebrate Earth Day! The more people, the farther we can reach! Meet at the gazebos at Festival Park.

WHITAKERS

Earth Day Action Fair at Franklinton Center at Bricks

When: April 23, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Franklinton Center at Bricks, 281 Southbend Lane, Whitakers

What: It’s time to skill up for defense of Mother Earth! Join us in creating real solutions to the environmental problems facing our communities. This hands-on event makes learning fun for the whole family. Help plant a new rain garden to protect the Franklinton Center at Bricks from flooding. Participate in info sessions, workshops, an art build, and a good ole dance party! Don’t miss the healthy free lunch and eco-friendly giveaways!

WILSON

Imagination Station Earth Day Celebration

When: April 23, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Imagination Station, 224 Nash St. SE, Wilson

What: Walk, bike or carpool to visit us and celebrate Earth Day. Learn about some of the fun things you can do to help our Earth live a long and healthy life. Take home art you make yourself as a reminder that every day is Earth Day! (Admission to the museum is not included with the activity).