The Environmental Journal of Southern Appalachia
Thursday, 18 April 2024 06:35

Happy Earth Day to you

Written by

2017 Eclipse GIF dscovr epic 21 aug 2017 solar eclipse shadowThis image of Earth captures the 2017 eclipse shadow.  NASA

Get dirty. Get wet. Have fun. Love your mother.

Celebrate our planet’s beauty and bounty at one of many Earth Day events in the region this weekend and beyond. You can pick up trash, kayak a river and even get sustainable fashion tips and tricks. 

The official observation of Earth Day 2024 is Monday, April 22, but ways to give back and respect the Earth abound for days before and after. Here’s a sampling of observations and activities. And remember: Every day should be Earth Day.

Knoxville

— Little River Watershed Association plans its annual cleanup and paddle for 12-4 p.m. Saturday, April 20. Participants will put in at Peery’s Mill near Townsend and remove trash from the river for about three hours before taking out at Sevierville Bridge. Albright Grove Brewery will offer beer after the cleanup. A limited number of kayaks are available for use, and a shuttle is available. Get more information and sign up here.

— Keep Knoxville Beautiful will hold the South Knoxville Community Cleanup from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, April 20 starting at Mary Vestal Park, 522 Maryville Pike, Knoxville. The group is removing litter from South Knoxville streams, roads and parks. All reserved spots are full, but Amanda Seale, director of programs for Keep Knoxville Beautiful said her group still welcomes help from anyone who shows up.

— The third annual Fleurish: A Sustainable Fashion Event (and Fundraiser) at Ijams Nature Center will bring eco-friendly and sustainable Punk vs. Funk designs to the runway Sunday, April 21. Tickets are $30 and are available at Ijams.org/fleurish. All proceeds support Ijams Nature Center. The cocktail hour from 6 until 7 p.m. will feature photo ops on the “green” carpet, education stations and information about conservation efforts in the fashion realm, as well as a cash bar featuring punk and funk signature cocktails, and food from Coffee & Chocolate, Cafe 4, and The Kennedy. The fashion show will feature clothing with sustainable, reused and recycled materials from 25 designers. Following the fashion show, attendees will be able to meet the artists, designers, and models on the nature center’s hillside. Brent Hyder and Duck Experience will provide live music. Ijams Visitor Services Director Sarah Brobst said there may be some surprise elements as well.

“Fleurish shows how the average consumer can make changes to their day-to-day lives while never losing sight of the beauty of nature and the human experience,” she said. She encouraged the audience to come dressed in their favorite punk or funk fashions.

— The University of Tennessee will host an Earth Day Festival from 11 until 2 p.m. April 22 at the Student Union Plaza.

“Come meet campus and community organizations, enter some giveaways, participate in sustainable activities, and more!,” according to organizers. Other Earth Week events will continue on and near the campus that week. A full list of them is online

Chattanooga

— Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors and other organizations will present Earth Week with events April 20-27.

All these events are on the website of the organization Chattanooga National Park City. Starting the week will be the opening of the Adventure Library at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at the Chattanooga Public Library, 1001 Broad St. People with library cards can check out outdoor equipment like binoculars and camping gear. The grand opening will also feature crafts and activities.

After a week of hikes, presentations, volunteer opportunities and a new art installation, the series will end with a used outdoor gear sale and Springfest, April 27 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Greenway Farms at 5051 Gann Store Road in Hixon. Activities include archery, yoga, disc golf, a mushroom walk and fly casting.

Asheville

— Buncombe County Parks and Recreation will host events April 20 from 9 a.m. until noon at Buncombe County Sports Park at 58 Apache Trail.

The main event will involve working on a pollinator garden, which will create a spot for pollinators like butterflies and bees to live and feed. Register here to participate. In the same park the Earth Day Fair will feature environmental education workshops, free eco crafting, bird houses, feeder building activities, a greenhouse effect activity and more.

Volunteers may also help landscape at Lake Julian Park at 37 Lake Julian Road or help clean up Buncombe County Sports Park.

— Green Built Alliance is hosting the Earth Day 5K as a fundraiser. The run is set for Saturday, April 20 at The Outpost, adjacent to Carrier Park in Asheville. The course will head through the park and the French Broad River Greenway. You may also do a one-mile fun run.

“Funds raised will support Green Built Alliance’s programs that promote sustainability, impact environmental justice and serve our community. The race aims to create a positive footprint, providing educational opportunities for supporting and engaging our community’s commitment to 100% Renewable Energy by 2042,” according to organizers.

For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rate this item
(1 Vote)
Last modified on Tuesday, 23 April 2024 00:14