Greater Newark Conservancy - Earth Day Activities

Earth Day

Newark's Earth Day is the only statewide event of its kind where young and old can celebrate the diversity and culture of our environment. Held on a Saturday around National Earth Day of April 22, the event provides an opportunity for all residents of the Greater Newark area and across New Jersey to reach out in the common cause of protecting and valuing the environment.

The Greater Newark Conservancy takes the opportunity at this event to educate the public about current environmental issues.

Why An Event?

The purpose of coordinating the Earth Day celebrations is to increase the awareness of environmental issues in Newark and other urban areas across the state. The Conservancy's goal is to attract New Jersey residents to local parks to learn to use parks as educational tools, in addition to discovering ways they can heal and preserve the natural resources within their own communities. Through them, the Conservancy is able to increase urban resident's understanding of the relevancy of environmental issues to their lives and to motivate citizens to be proactive about environmental concerns that affect their communities.

What Happens?

The event features a main stage of live entertainment, including musical groups and children's entertainment, and activities for community residents to participate as well as vendors and exhibitors.

In addition, there is a youth education project. Along with the help of hundreds of volunteers, local schools coordinate an environmental project in the park. Past events have included the construction of a trail, creation of a habitat enhancement, and most recently, litter cleanup and shoreline restoration planting.

A series of workshops are held during the day, providing valuable information on various environmental issues. Children are also able to participate in a variety of game activities with environmental themes.