Celebrate Earth Day in Philly parks all throughout April

Earth Day isn’t until April 22, but some Philadelphia parks are already celebrating the best way they know how. 

Throughout next month, those who are looking to head outdoors can partake in an abundant amount of activities spanning volunteer workdays, sunset kayaking, stargazing, guided trail runs, a free youth football day in FDR Park, and even an ecotherapy hike, all with Fairmount Park Conservancy.

The fun begins as early as next week on April 3. From 5 to 7 p.m., Individual Volunteer Workdays will be in full swing to help with removing invasive species, weeding, trash pick-up, trail maintenance, and more. Other weekly volunteer opportunities begin in April as well, and will last throughout the spring, summer, and fall of this year. 

Tuesday, April 4, on the other hand marks the start of the appearance of April’s Pink Moon with the return of Fairmount Park Conservancy’s monthly Moonwalk + Stargazing Parties. As a release states, named for the color of flowers such as phlox that emerge this time of year, the Pink Moon marks the passing of winter and the long-awaited arrival of spring. Enjoy a moonlit hike along the Lemon Hill Rim Trail followed by s’mores around the campfire and stargazing with science educator and astronomer, Buddy Muhler.

Philadelphians who want to get physical can join in on group runs along trails on both April 6 and 20 as well. The Training on Trails program is popular with runners and those who are perhaps getting ready for the Broad Street Run (by the way if you’re on FPC’s Broad Street Team these events are free) and the April 20 run concludes with a happy hour at the Cosmic Cafe’s Ciderhouse bar.

Later on next month, on April 15, Fairmount Park Conservancy will offer Youth Football Day at FDR Park. From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be free, family-friendly events including football activities for children, kayak tours, food, face painting, balloon artists, and music, all of which is open to the general public. A brief speaking program will highlight the FDR Park Plan as well, which features “high-quality athletic fields and courts interspersed with nature trails, woodlands, meadows, and creeks.” The event is free, but registration is recommended online. 

Then on Wednesday, April 12, Philadelphians can take a guided sunset kayak at FDR Park at 6:30 p.m. As a release states, as the only park with publicly accessible lakes and an active boating program, FDR is the perfect spot to get back out on the water after a long winter. At this monthly program, Fairmount Park Conservancy will partner with experienced guides from Discovery Pathways who teach about the lakes’ history and wildlife as participants kayak under the glow of the setting sun, according to the release. 

It all leads up to Earth Day celebrations on Saturday, April 22, at 3 p.m. with a guided hike and meditation led by ecotherapist Krista Nelson. The hike starts at the Belmont Plateau—a location with a strong Earth Day connection, being the spot where thousands of Philadelphians met on the inaugural date to demand environmental action—and from there, the group will hike along the Trolley Trail while stopping at different spots for moments of meditation and reflection.

For more information and for a full schedule of events regarding Earth Day in Philadelphia with Fairmount Park Conservancy, visit myphillypark.org