Earth Day 2025, falling on April 22, has taken on a more urgent tone this year.
In the past three months, the United States has withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time, while severe budget cuts threaten the future of the National Park Service and the country’s treasured landscapes.
Amidst these international and national-level shifts that can often lead to feelings of helplessness, there remains a multitude of actions we can take at the local level.
Grassroots initiatives are crucial for fostering change, and there are plenty of ways to engage in local conservation efforts in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest this Earth Day, aligning with the 2025 theme, “Our Power, Our Planet.”
One way to stay active while contributing to the community is by participating in Seattle’s Earth Day Run at Magnuson Park on April 19.
This event invites participants to enjoy the outdoors while running along the lake, and each runner will receive a native sapling tree at the end of the race.
Participants have the choice to plant the tree at home or in the park, contributing to environmental health.
A single tree can absorb up to 10 pounds of air pollutants annually and produce approximately 260 pounds of oxygen, showcasing the vital role trees play in supporting our ecosystem.
Gardeners from Magnuson Park will be on hand to answer questions and provide helpful information about native trees, as well as tips on effective planting.
Additionally, Puget Soundkeeper is organizing various clean-up events around Earth Day and the week leading up to it.
On April 19, one can paddle on the Duwamish River with a guided kayak tour that includes a cleanup effort, with morning and afternoon shifts available.
The same day, participants can help celebrate Earth Day at the Arboretum by engaging in a park clean-up from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., where they will work to remove invasive weeds and learn how to create pollinator habitats at home gardens.
On April 23, there’s an opportunity to join a kayak and cleanup event on Lake Union from noon until 2 p.m.
Finally, on April 26, folks can participate in an Earth Month clean-up around Lake Washington at Magnuson Park from 10 a.m. until noon.
For those looking to deepen their understanding of climate challenges, the Climate Solutions Series at Town Hall Seattle on April 22 is an excellent opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations.
Hosted by the Seattle Parks Foundation, the event will feature discussions led by local leaders focusing on nature-based climate solutions, community resiliency, and ways to take part in climate action.
Participants can learn about various topics from urban food systems to tree canopy solutions, along with finding avenues to engage in grassroots efforts.
For those interested in imbibing consciously, the Seattle area boasts numerous eco-friendly bars and cafes that prioritize sustainability.
Throughout April, Schilling Cider will donate 5% of profits from two specific ciders—Excelsior Imperial Apple and Moon Berries—to nonprofits working to protect wild spaces in the United States, including Washington Wild and Wildlands Conservancy.
Wine enthusiasts can visit Footprint Wine Tap in Capitol Hill, which sources sustainably produced wines from throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Footprint has committed to sustainability by pursuing alternative wine packaging whenever feasible, such as pouring wine from kegs and offering reusable growlers for patrons wanting to take wine home.
For those who are new to outdoor adventures or gardening, or for seasoned enthusiasts seeking to enhance their skills, this Earth Month presents various educational opportunities.
The Mountaineers community offers an array of courses designed to encourage outdoor participation, including naturalist and environmental courses, backpacking skills, and sea kayaking classes.
For example, Raven’s Roots Naturalist School offers courses focused on tracking wildlife across three different Washington ecosystems.
Furthermore, the P-Patch Community Gardening Program manages urban spaces where organic food and flowers are cultivated.
On April 19, P-Patch will host a free event at the Northwest African American Museum, featuring organic seeds, fertilizers, and gardening tips.
Volunteers can also join local environmental organizations focused on restoration efforts.
Maintaining local trails and parks is vital for preserving the natural beauty surrounding Seattle and Washington.
Environmental organizations regularly offer opportunities for community members to participate in work parties, clean-ups, and trail restoration projects.
Washington Trails Association (WTA), for instance, invites volunteers to help restore trails in various locations, preparing them for the hiking season and clearing away fallen trees in areas such as Cougar Mountain and Columbia River Gorge.
For those with a passion for the ocean, Coastsavers is hosting its annual Earth Day beach clean-up on April 19.
Participants can enjoy a day of cleaning beaches along the Pacific Coast and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, creating an impact while enjoying the beauty of nature.
For year-round opportunities, the Washington Sea Grant team is actively seeking volunteers to help monitor invasive green crab outbreaks in coastal areas.
Beyond events specifically for Earth Day, locals are encouraged to commit to volunteering at environmental nonprofits throughout the year.
Organizations like the Cascade Forest Conservancy and Washington Native Plant Society are always looking for volunteers willing to lend a hand.
Finally, one of the simplest and most powerful actions you can take this Earth Day is to spend more time outside.
Discover the natural world by feeling the soil between your fingers, the sand between your toes, and becoming curious about the flora and fauna around you.
Take a hike to find spring wildflowers, stroll through the Washington Park Arboretum, or go for a swim in Lake Washington or Puget Sound.
This Earth Day and throughout this Earth Month, nurturing a connection with nature is a vital step toward fostering stewardship and environmental awareness.
image source from：https://seattlemag.com/seattle-culture/why-this-earth-day-is-more-important-than-ever/
