Ever since the original Earth Day in 1970 during the height of the hippie and flower-child era, communities across the country and now worldwide have celebrated with opportunities to clean up and beautify wild areas, educational events that promote recycling and conservation, and more. Although Earth Day always falls on April 22, many activities fall in the week before or after that date, so that people can enjoy weekend activities.
Western Pennsylvania offers plenty of Earth Day activities in the coming weeks.
• Citiparks is joining with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to celebrate Earth Day with three days of free activities, from April 19 to 21, at Squirrel Hill's Frick Park. On April 19, the Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd., will host a Community Campfire from 6 to 9 p.m. The center will provide the fire and sticks, but visitors should bring marshmallows and a cup for hot cider.
On Tree Planting Day, April 20, you can volunteer for a morning of hands-on tree planting and stay for lunch. Registration is required for this event, held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.pittsburghparks.org/volunteerdays.
During Nature Walks on April 21, visitors can take a guided hike throughout the park's scenic, 151-acre nature reserve from noon to 3 p.m. The weather-dependent walks begin every hour, and on-site registration is required. During the walks, you can see wild edibles, birds and other critters, wildflowers and trees.
For a complete list of activities, visit www.citiparks.net.
• The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is celebrating Earth Day with the “PPG Party for the Planet,” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20. Visitors can enjoy eco-friendly crafts, recycling games and visit with the zoo's mascot. Representatives from local organizations will teach visitors how they can make a difference in the health of the planet. Party activities are included with general zoo admission of $14, $13 for age 60 and older and $12 for ages 2 to 13. For more details, call 412-665-3640 or visit www.pittsburghzoo.org.
• At the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, celebrating Earth Day is a monthlong event in the North Side museum's studio. In “Botanical Blueprints,” on April 13 and 14, kids will be taking cyanotypes — an old-fashioned, low-cost photographic printing process — of plants onto fabrics and using sunlight to develop them. In “Adobe Architecture,” on April 20 and 21, kids will use adobe bricks — a natural material made from sun-dried sand, clay, water and straw. In “Icicle Painting,” on April 27 and 28, kids will celebrate the opening of the renovated “Waterplay” exhibit using frozen watercolor icicles. Activities are included with general admission of $13 and $12 for ages 2 to 18 and senior citizens. For more information, call 412-322-5058 or visit www.pittsburghkids.org.
• Westmoreland Earth Day 2013 and Community Energy Expo offers activities at St. Vincent College in Latrobe from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21. The free event features energy activities for kids, green cars, a petting zoo and representatives of environmental non-profit groups and energy companies. St. Vincent officials will give tours of the campus' green building. Details: www.westmorelandearthday.org
Kellie B. Gormly is a staff writerfor Trib Total Media. She can be reached at kgormly@tribweb.com or 412-320-7824.
