Happy Earth Month! Here are some ways to celebrate, big and small
- by Guest Contributor
- April 4, 2024
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Info from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
Happy Earth Month! If you are looking for some ideas to celebrate, we have you covered!
From volunteering at a state park or forest event, to making a small donation when you renew your vehicle registration, it all makes a difference! Here are some ideas to celebrate and help care for our planet.
Volunteer or attend an educational event
Find a state park, state forest, or community event to volunteer for trash pick-up, help with gardening, invasive species, or planting trees.
Check out the PA Wilds calendar of events being held at state parks and state forests. Especially during the month of April, there are plenty of events to celebrate and honor Earth Month and help to give back to the public lands we love to explore.
Want to find other ways to volunteer and give back? Check out this recent “The joys of volunteering” blog to learn more about ways to volunteer in the PA Wilds, as well as hear directly from some volunteers themselves about why it’s so meaningful to them.
Image: A cleanup crew at the water of Sinnemahoning Dam. Photo courtesy of volunteer Karen Reed.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Find ways to reduce waste by using reusable shopping bags, buying products in recyclable containers, and re-purposing containers.
When shopping, bring along a reusable bag or ask for less packaging. Shun single-use plastics.
Make items last for as long as possible, and buy used whenever possible. Remember, even if an item is truly not fit to be used anymore for one purpose, it still might serve another purpose. Turn your old t-shirts into cleaning rags or save sturdy containers to use for storage or art projects!
Recycle right! Check the website of your city, township, or borough to find out what items you can and can’t recycle.
Use native plants and trees when landscaping
Learn more about native plants and trees and use them in your gardening and landscaping. Check out DCNR’s “Landscaping with native plants” webpage here.
Well-chosen native plants can flourish in public and private landscapes. Avoid rare plants and choose common native plants. If you must use non-natives, choose plants that will not escape and become weeds.
They’re also low maintenance! Native plant species require less maintenance such as water and soil amendments. Once the plants are established they will require little else.
Image: Volunteers planting native trees at Walter Dick Park in Brookville. Photo courtesy of volunteer Karen Reed.
Reduce your footprint
Find ways to reduce your carbon footprint, including driving less, carpooling with friends, walking or biking more, and using less energy!
Reducing your footprint doesn’t have to be painful. Although you might be driving less, think about the fun memories you’ll make with friends while carpooling or the fresh air you’ll enjoy while walking. These practices are good for both the environment and your physical and mental health.
Image: A summer bike ride on a rail trail. Photo courtesy of Hunter Casilio.
Donate to a cause
Donate to an environmental cause like the Keystone Tree Fund or PA Parks and Forests Foundation.
When you shop at a PA Wilds Conservation Shop or online at the PA Wilds Marketplace, you’ll be asked if you want to make a donation. Add a donation to your shopping cart during checkout and make a difference at PA Wilds State Parks and Forests. 100% of the proceeds will help the PA Parks and Forests Foundation fund special projects in the state parks and forests in the Pennsylvania Wilds!
Another easy way to contribute is by donating when you renew your vehicle registration (Keystone Tree Restricted Account donation is just $3!) or buying purchasing as special vehicle license plate. The current special fund license plate designs for the Wild Resource Conservation Fund feature an otter or an eastern hellbender.
Attend an educational event
Expand your knowledge by attending an education program on plants and trees, wildlife, geology, and more.
Check out the PA Wilds calendar of events being held at state parks and state forests. The majority of these events are completely free.
Educational events are also important! Together, you and your family can learn about wildlife, history, plants, seasonal topics, and the public lands themselves. These educational opportunities are fun and leave you with a better knowledge of the beauty of nature.
Image: A maple sugaring educational event at Parker Dam State Park. Photo courtesy of Britt Madera.
Enjoy the outdoors
Spend more time outdoors. Take a hike with friends, bike with family to share appreciation of our natural places.
Want to get some inspiration for some activities? Check out the PA Wilds activity pages!
ABOUT DCNR:
Established on July 1, 1995, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is charged with maintaining and protecting 121 state parks; managing 2.2 million acres of state forest land; providing information on the state’s ecological and geologic resources; and establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space, and natural areas. DCNR’s mission is to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment. Learn more at DCNR.pa.gov.
