Happy Earth Day! Fifty years ago, some folks decided it might be a good idea to protect our planet and show Mother Nature a little appreciation—good thinking! In the Parks and Recreation world, conservation is one of the three pillars of the profession, so, yeah, Earth Day is our jam. We believe that getting outside and enjoying nature fosters a love for, and creates stewards of, our natural resources. And while this year looks a little different, we’re still recognizing this important day and encouraging you all to do the same. Here are six ways to celebrate Earth Day:
- Join our virtual paint party! Grab some art supplies and follow along with our instructor, Lauren, as she paints a nature-themed work of art. This is a great project for adults and kids alike, and you can follow along at any time.
- Do a nature scavenger hunt. Click here for a scavenger hunt list and instructions on an egg crate scavenger hunt!
- Visit a local park or go on a hike. The parks and natural-surface trails are all still open, and we encourage everyone to get outdoors. Plan a picnic, play catch, hike a trail—there are several ways to still enjoy the outdoors while maintaining safe social distancing. Just remember to pack out your trash.
- Read “The Lorax.” If it’s been a while since you read Dr. Seuss’s classic, this is the perfect time to revisit it. It’s a poignant reminder to protect our natural amenities before it’s too late.
- Make a pressed-flower bookmark. Enjoy the beauty of nature indoors all year long with your own wildflower bookmark.
- Create a nature-based work of art. Grab some of your favorite leaves from your yard and create a leaf rubbing for a greeting card, bookmark, or to just hang on the fridge.
We hope you take some time today to celebrate the outdoors and enjoy our beautiful city! And if you take us up on any of these activities, feel free to share and tag us on social media. Happy Earth Day!
