Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. One of my main goals as a mom of an almost-2-year-old is to raise my child to have a passion and love for the natural world around us. Although nurturing the earth is an everyday lifestyle for us, I decided to make a celebration out of Earth Day to show the importance of the holiday.

Despite being stuck at home, I was able to find materials around our house to make an Earth Day gift basket for my son. It included a small compostable pot, clover seeds, and soil, so we could start gardening together. I also put in pine cones from our yard, peanut butter, and bird seeds to make a bird feeder. I wanted to include materials that would encourage him to engage with the natural world. I hope to expand on this and engage him in new ways as he gets older.

This is just one example of how to celebrate Earth Day. Below you will find other ideas and opportunities that you can begin doing today right from your house.

Ways to Celebrate Our Earth

• Want to foster your kids’ love and passion for the Earth? Check out all of these online kids’ nature activities.  And, make sure to download our Long Trail Activity Book, with creative drawing inspirations for young hikers.
• Sign up for one of our virtual nature-based workshops and events:
  • Speaker Series: A Long Trail Hiker’s Climb of Denali: Wednesday, April 22, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.  TONIGHT!!
  • Nature Story Time with GMC: Every Friday at 10 AM on Facebook Live.
  • Artwork on the Long Trail: Monday, April 27, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
  • Online Outdoor Trivia With GMC: Thursday, April 30, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
  • Long Trail End-to-Ender’s Panel: Friday, May 1, 2020, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
  • Outdoor Adventure Storytelling Night: Tuesday, May 5, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
  • iNaturalist and Northeast Alpine Flower Watch Citizen Science Training: Thursday, May 7, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
  • Hiking 101: Friday, May 8, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
• Missed past virtual GMC events?  You can watch the recordings on our website!
• Sign up to be part of the Vermont Spring Backyard BioBlitz through the North Branch Nature Center.
• Do the Earth Day Daily Challenge.
• Head over to Instagram to watch our short peaceful “Mountain Moments” videos.

And, thank you for doing your part to help the earth by staying off the trails during mud season right now.

How are you celebrating Earth Day today?