Seven Things To Do To Celebrate Earth Day Around Denver

It sounds glib, if not cynical, to say that "every day is Earth Day," (which falls on April 22), especially as public interest in the environment seems to have waned despite the mounting threat of ecological degradation, or even outright catastrophe. But, it's true: every day is an individual and collective opportunity to restore environmental equilibrium, as events across the state remind us this week. From local youth councils to internationally known activists and artists, groups and individuals across Colorado are showcasing their ongoing, daily efforts to heal the planet, while encouraging the public to make changes in the way it interacts with the Earth. Walk, ride your bike, or take the bus to these educational, recreational and creative activities meant to inspire and motivate.

2015 Earth Day Celebration: What’s Your Footprint?
Lakewood Heritage Center
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. April 18
This City of Lakewood-sponsored event includes a host of activities like beekeeping and composting workshops, film screenings of The Greenest Building, and Bag It, and a student art showcase. The public can also recreate on a climbing wall.. In all, the event aims to connect residents with those “companies, agencies and organizations that provide products, services, resources and information for residents to make more sustainable choices.” Click here for more information.


Wild Earth Day
Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center, Nederlands
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. April 18
The biggest Earth Day festival in Boulder County, Wild Earth Day is a celebration of “this magnificent planet.” The festival features a found-object sculpture by internationally renowned artist Marlyn Cheses, live music from the Vana Vedu Marimba Ensemble, and host of other activities ranging from scavenger hunts, film screenings and face painting. Many of the activities will be hosted by educators with masters degrees in environmental education, so expect effective and engaging programming. Click here for more information.


Earth Day Tree Sale
City Park Greenhouse (at York Street and 23rd Avenue) and Sloan's Lake Park (at 17th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard)
9 a.m. - noon. April 18
Purchase trees for cheap at the Denver Digs Earth Day Tree Sale, organized the The Park People, a local non-profit. Trees go for $45-$65, and come in a number of varieties. Says Kim, Yuan-Farrell, The Park People's Executive Director, “Our Earth Day Tree Sale is a Denver tradition, and all trees planted through Denver Digs Trees will enhance the health of our local urban forest as well as the larger global environment." Any leftover trees will be sold at the City Park location April 19th, 1-4 p.m. and April 20th, 8-10 a.m. Click here for more information.


Teen Earth Day
Mercury Cafe
Noon - 4:00 p.m. April 19
Teen Earth Day opens with a discussion and hip hop performance highlighting teen empowerment in the face of global ecological catastrophe. This segment will be hosted by Xiuhtezcatli of the Earth Guardians, a fourteen year old performer and activist, who is engaged locally and internationally (In 2012 Xiuhtexcatli was one of the youngest speakers at the Rio+20 United National Summit in Rio De Janeiro). The event concludes with a performance of “Planet Earth – Power Shift,” a drama about climate change performed by the Mercury Motley Players. "Power Earth - Power Shift" will also be staged on the 15th and the 18th and the Mercury Cafe and the 20th and Metro State's Tivoli Turnhalle. View the Mercury Cafe calendar for complete event listings related to Earth Day.


Earth Day Denver
Civic Center Park
10 a.m. - 2pm. April 22
From gardening, composting, and canning workshops, to interactive displays featuring electric cars and bicycles, this City of Denver-sponsored event offers a wide range of activities for residents, many of them ideal for teachers and student groups. In the words of the City’s Environmental Quality Division Director, “it’s important to celebrate Earth Day and embrace the efforts we can all do to protect and improve the environment in Denver.” Live music and food trucks (solar powered, of course) will also be on site. Click here for more information.



Youth Of The Earth Festival
Boulder County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building (indoors)
4-7 p.m. April 22
With and emphasis on “Youth,” this event is unique in that it is organized “by children, for children,” through the non-profit Sustainable Revolution Longmont, and it’s “Youth of the Earth Council,” which meets once a week to plan actions and events promoting environmental sustainability. Games, prizes, and a climbing wall, as well as eco-art and live music, all feature at the event. And there’s a practical side to the festival as well: residents can bring waste items such as pens, pencils and markers, as well as small electronics to recycle. Click here for more information.



Arise Film Screening
Denver Botanic Gardens 
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. April 22nd
Arise is a film highlighting the stories of women around the world who are working towards an ecological and spiritual rehabilitation of the planet. Narrated by actress and activist Daryl Hannah (of Blade Runner fame) the film combines poetry, music, and art to tell stories that are sure to inspire audiences to take action and reconnect with the planet. Local filmmaker and co-producer of Arise, Candice Orlando will be present for a Q&A after the film. Click here for more information. Tickets are $5.