Earth Day ’23 – Invest in our Planet

By: Katie Goncalves | April 13, 2023
Woman holding young tree sapling in her hands.

Earth Day is Saturday, April 22 and this year the theme is “Invest in our Planet.” Each year on Earth Day we strive to do a little better for the planet we call home by doing things like cleaning up parks and planting trees. There are events happening all across the world to help get people in the spirit of taking better care of our environment and Metro Detroit is no different. Here are some amazing events happening in the area for Earth Day that you won’t want to miss!

Earth Day Cleanups 

Earth Day Cleanup at Lake St. Clair Metropark

When: April 22, 2023

Where: 31300 Metropolitan Parkway, Harrison Township

Cost: Free

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Help clean up Lake St. Clair Metropark on Earth Day! You’ll meet at the Nature Center to pick up your tools and safety equipment, then head out for a full day of cleaning. Snacks and water will be provided. Pre-registration is required by 4pm on April 21.

Trash, glass bottles and other recyclables organized into bins
Community clean-ups are a great way to celebrate Earth Day and take care of our planet!

Earth Day Cleanup at Stony Creek Metropark

When: April 22, 2023

Where: 4300 Main Park Drive, Shelby Township

Cost: Free

Celebrate Earth Day by clearing up Stony Creek Metropark. Check in at the Park Office to pick up your trash bags, gloves, and directions to your assigned cleanup area. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. on April 15.

Huron Corridor Earth Day Clean Up at Indian Village Park

When: April 22, 2023

Where: 782 W. Huron St., Pontiac

Cost: Free

Everyone is welcome to help clean up at Indian Village Park! Volunteers will help by picking up trash and making improvements around the park. Donuts, water, and snacks will be provided. Make sure to bring gloves, flathead shovels, and rakes.

Dequindre Cut Spring Cleanup

When: April 22, 2023

Where: Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit

Cost: Free

Come help clean up litter from the Dequindre Cut Greenway and surrounding streets. You can volunteer for a few hours or casually collect litter as you walk. Trash bags, gloves, and a limited number of trash pickers and rakes will be provided. 

Earth Day Shoreline Cleanup at Lake Erie Metropark

April 22, 2023

Where: 32481 Jefferson, Brownstown Township

Cost: Free

Volunteers will work together to clean up the picnic areas and shoreline of Lake Erie Metropark. All ages are welcome and all of the necessary supplies will be provided. Pre-registration required by April 19 at 4 p.m.

Earth Day Celebrations

Earth Day Celebration at Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center

When: April 22, 2023

Where: 4101 River Bends Drive, Shelby Township

Cost: Free

This is the perfect family-friendly event to celebrate Earth Day! There will be eco-friendly crafts, guided hikes, and educational stations. And don’t forget about learning about how to be kind to wildlife by meeting some cool live animals. Registration is highly recommended.

Earth Day Celebration at the Recreation Activities Center

When: April 20, 2023

Where: 4640 Walnut Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills

Cost: Free event; $5/nature hike

Have some family fun at the Recreation Activities Center by making a recycled craft, interacting with live animals, and taking a guided hike. Pre-registration is required, and the guided hikes are an additional option at the time of registration. 

Earth Day Camp at Indian Springs Metropark

When: April 22, 2023

Where: 5200 Indian Trail, White Lake

Cost: $40/child

This event is specifically for kids age seven and up. They will enjoy crafts and projects to celebrate Earth Day. Pack a lunch and wear clothing made for getting a little bit dirty. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. April 19. 

Celebrate Earth Day – “86 Plastic” at Stage Nature Center

When: April 22, 2023

Where: 6685 Coolidge Highway, Troy

Cost: Free

This educational program for ages eight and over talks about how only 5% of recycled plastics are actually repurposed. Join 86 Plastic to learn about ways to replace plastic in the household. Registration required.

Earth Day at Greenmead Historical Park

When: April 22, 2023

Where: 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia

Cost: $15/resident, $20/non-resident

Families will head to the Alexander Blue House for a hands-on encounter with Dan the Creature Man. Kids will also create their very own take-home plant terrarium. Advance registration required.

Other Earth Day Events

The Oakland County Earth Day March, Rally and Fair at Centennial Commons Park

When: April 22, 2023

Where: 203 S. Troy St., Royal Oak

Cost: Free

Oakland County communities will take action to fight against the climate crisis while creating justice, protecting future generations, and creating sustainable jobs. The Earth Fair will feature live music, art, vendors, a climate march, and speeches from local leaders.

Electronics Recycling at Ypsilanti District Library

When: April 22, 2023

Where: 5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti

Cost: Free

Not sure what to do with all of your unwanted computers, printers, and electronics? Bring them to the Ypsilanti District Library to be recycled! Limited to residents and businesses of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township and Superior Township.

Mothering Earth: A Poetry Gathering at Ypsilanti District Library

When: April 22, 2023

Where: 229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti

Cost: Free

Local poets Desirae Simmons and Leslie McGraw host a poetry reading revolving around Earth Day. There will be an open mic portion after both poets perform. Best suited for teens and adults.

Earth Day: Heroes of Conservation at Lake Erie Metropark

When: April 22, 2023

Where:: 32481 Jefferson, Brownstown Township

Cost: $3/child, $5/adult

Sure, Ironman and Captain America are great, but how about Teddy Roosevelt and Roger Tory Peterson? Kids ages eight and up will learn about real-life conservation superheroes and how they relate to their fictional Marvel counterparts. Pre-registration is required by April 21 at 4 p.m.

Earth Day: History Hike at Lake Erie Metropark

When: April 22, 2023

Where: 32481 Jefferson, Brownstown Township

Cost: $3/child, $5/adult, free/under 2

Come along on a nature hike to celebrate Earth Day. Learn all about the history of the holiday and how you can help the environment. Pre-registration required by April 21 at 4 p.m.

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