“All we have to do is to wake up and change.” — Greta Thunberg

Tuesday, April 22 marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, a global call to action for protecting our planet. This year’s theme, OUR POWER, OUR PLANET™, emphasizes the collective strength we hold to unite behind renewable energy demanding and driving environmental change.

The first Earth Day in 1970 saw twenty million Americans gather to speak out for environmental justice. Since then, the movement has grown to involve over one billion people in 192 countries, making it the world’s largest civic observance. Whether you join a public celebration or take small steps at home, every action counts.

Fun activities to do with children to celebrate earth day and spring:

  • Make a Sunny Snack: Use fruits like oranges, strawberries, and blueberries to make edible artwork, and reflect on where food comes from and how nature helps it grow.
  • Dig in the Dirt: Explore soil with a shovel and bucket, plant seeds, and check in daily to see what grows.
  • Grow Your Green Thumb: Care for a plant and learn about its ecosystem connections.
  • Seek Out Sensations: Collect natural treasures and use all five senses to explore your surroundings.
  • Listen and Learn: Read nature-themed books like Tiny, Perfect Things or The Curious Garden to spark curiosity and care for the earth.

Visit your library for more resources and stories that celebrate nature, sustainability, and stewardship. Let’s work together to protect our shared home—starting with small steps today.

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it… all things connect.”
— Chief Seattle