This story is part of the WHYY News Climate Desk, bringing you news and solutions for our changing region.
From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, local residents are encouraged to engage with climate change issues.
The arrival of Earth Day continues to offer opportunities for advocacy and action in the Philadelphia area.
On April 22, 1970, more than 30,000 people gathered on Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park for the first Earth Day.
Organized by University of Pennsylvania students and faculty, the event was the crescendo after a week of activities promoting environmental activism.
In Philadelphia, the gathering was part of a nationwide event that included about 12,000 other activities, bringing together an estimated 20 million people across the U.S. who voiced concerns over issues like air pollution and toxic waste.
Fifty-five years later, Earth Day remains a vital occasion for individuals to advocate for environmental protection.
In the Philadelphia region, residents can significantly contribute to making the planet healthier by engaging in activities such as litter cleanup, planting seeds, or learning sustainable living practices.
Here are some Earth Day events to look forward to in the area:
**Philadelphia**
**Bartram’s Garden Spring Fest**
Scheduled for Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bartram’s Garden will host its annual Spring Fest at 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia.
The festival will feature a range of activities like a hands-on natural dye session, guided garden tours, a seed market, a plant sale, and informative presentations.
Registration is required for the free event.
**Earth Day Bells Mill Road Clean-Up**
On Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., everyone is welcome to participate in a litter cleanup alongside Friends of the Wissahickon.
Set to take place on Forbidden Drive and Bells Mill Road, this event invites volunteers to help clean up one of the area’s main roads.
No prior experience is necessary, and the cleanup will involve a 1-mile hike.
Gloves and tools will be provided for all volunteers.
Participants need to register to take part in the cleanup.
**A Broader Green: An Earth Day Service Project**
Taking place on Tuesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 699 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, A Broader Green is a collaborative effort between Temple alumni and the North Broad Renaissance.
This event celebrates Earth Day by raising awareness for NBR’s landscaping and maintenance program while striving to improve the quality of life along North Broad Street.
Activities will include the beautification of planting beds along the corridor, and those interested can register for the service project.
**Drexel’s Civic x EarthFest 2025**
On Wednesday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lancaster Walk in Philadelphia, Drexel University will celebrate Earth Day and environmental sustainability through its annual EarthFest.
This year’s block party-style event will focus on the theme of “circularity,” which emphasizes optimizing resource use and minimizing waste throughout the entire production and consumption cycle.
The event requires pre-registration for participation.
**Earth Day at the Please Touch Museum**
Scheduled for Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Please Touch Museum located at 4231 Avenue of the Republic in Philadelphia welcomes individuals and families to learn about ways to protect the planet.
The day’s activities include flower planting, rock painting, musical performances, storytime, and art activities with WHYY.
Check out the museum’s calendar for an entire day of exciting events.
**Naturepalooza**
On Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., participants can celebrate Earth Day with the Schuylkill Center during Naturepalooza at 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia.
The event will offer participants a scavenger hunt, nature-based crafts and activities, guided hikes, a musical performance, and an art presentation.
Registration is required for Naturepalooza.
**New Jersey**
**Earth Day Run**
On Saturday, April 19, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Wiggins Waterfront Trail, Riverside Drive, Camden, participants can join the Earth Day Run—an event designed to encourage physical activity while supporting the environment.
Entrants are encouraged to wear green and display their love for the planet.
A portion of the proceeds will go towards local tree planting efforts.
**Philadelphia Suburbs**
**Earth Day Festival**
Scheduled for Sunday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Upper Merion Township Park, 175 W. Valley Forge Road, King Of Prussia, the Earth Day Festival will feature activities that promote engagement with the environment, advocacy for renewable resources, and combating plastic pollution.
Families and individuals can enjoy food trucks, drinks, a petting zoo, and more during this lively community event.
Vendor offerings will include organic soaps and candles, handmade jewelry, electric vehicles, and much more.
Everyone is invited to register for the festival.
image source from：https://whyy.org/articles/earth-day-2025-philadelphia-new-jersey-events/
