3 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in Our Parks

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting action to protect the planet. It is also a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of our Earth and the interconnectedness of all living things. Our parks are a great place to do just that. Below are three ways you can celebrate Earth Day in our parks.

Go On a Nature Walk
Get outside and go on a nature walk in one of our parks. It’s the perfect free way to spend the day. While you’re out enjoying the fresh air and getting some steps in, be sure to take the time to enjoy your surroundings. You can even make a game of it for your kids or yourself and try and identify trees and plants along your walk. You can download a free tree identification guide, from the Virginia Department of Forestry and a free native plant guide from the Virginia Native Plant Society.

Observe but Don’t Disturb or Feed Wildlife
While you’re out in our parks, there are so many different types of wildlife you might see. Did you know that animals play a role in conservation? Animals help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from plant-to-plant and by spreading seeds. Animals that eat insects and small mammals help reduce damage by caterpillars, rabbits, and other plant-eaters. So while it can be tempting to feed the birds and other wildlife it can actually be harmful to this natural cycle. We absolutely encourage “wildlife watching” but please do so responsibly. Click here to learn more about the wildlife in our parks and hear some tips from our park rangers.

Leave No Trace
When visiting our parks, please remember to dispose of your trash properly in the appropriate disposal bins, always recycling when you can. If you’re going on a hike it’s always good to be prepared with a bag to bring any trash you’ve created back out with you in case you can’t find a trash bin. When hiking, you should also stay on established trails to reduce “travel damage” which occurs when surface vegetation or communities of organisms are trampled beyond recovery. 

In spring of 2021, the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism joined as community partners with the organization Leave No Trace, a nonprofit organization with the mission of ensuring a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet. Leave No Trace teaches seven principles that educate people on how to essentially leave no trace at parks and help preserve them. Click here to learn more about how you can “Leave No Trace” when visiting our parks.

Happy Earth Day! We hope to see you in our parks!