Every April 22 since 1970, people around the globe come together to emphasize the importance of protecting our planet today for the future. While every day is a good day to be kind to our natural world, Earth Day encourages us to shout it from the roof top. To make the most of this year’s Earth Day and each day after that, try your hand at any and all of the below.
1. Go for a Walk
Shake off those winter blues and get out in nature. Hear the birds sing, watch the wildflowers grow, and feel the stress of the world melt away. As you spend time in nature, you will make connections and feel a strong need to protect it for future generations. Not sure where to get started? Find a new trail to explore
2. Volunteer Your Time
What better way to celebrate Earth Month than by giving back to your local wildlife sanctuary? Regular volunteer projects range from removing invasive plant species and upkeeping trails to help with event and visitation duties. Plus, Statewide Volunteer Day is right around the corner, where we'll dedicate a whole day to the power of volunteers and what we can accomplish together. Volunteer near you
3. Complete an Earth Month Scavenger Hunt
To guide your outdoor adventure, download Mass Audubon's Earth Month scavenger hunt. Connect to the sights, sounds, and smells of our own corner of the world in spring. You're invited to look a little closer, and in new ways, at what makes up our natural world. Download the scavenger hunt
4. Become a Climate and Nature Champion
This grassroots advocacy program mobilizes individuals across Massachusetts to speak with one voice on the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Whether you have been an advocate before or are new to policy work, you can help Mass Audubon fight for land and wildlife protections; clean air and water; and climate and energy policy that will keep us on track to help the State reach its climate goals. Discover how you can get involved
5. Support Nature as a Climate Solution
Nature-based climate solutions harness nature's power to lessen flooding and extreme heat, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and naturally store carbon. We are working to protect and restore coastal habitats such as salt marshes, breeding bird islands, beaches, and uplands. This work helps these habitats absorb carbon and provide support for birds and wildlife.
We also practice climate-smart forestry, which helps forests adapt to changing climate conditions, removes carbon dioxide from the air, and stores carbon in the forest to mitigate climate change. Removing invasive plants and planting climate-adapted trees help make future forests more resilient to climate change. Help us do even more with a donation
6. Landscape for Wildlife
Gardens are more than just beautiful areas. They are living ecosystems that provide support for various creatures, ranging from tiny organisms to birds and mammals. Our wildlife sanctuaries have gardens to help wildlife, manage stormwater, and provide space for community gardening. Explore a demonstration garden
7. Build the Environmental Workforce
We’re investing in building the environmental workforce of tomorrow, today. Our Early Career Programs like the 14-month Environmental Fellowship Program and the 8-week Massachusetts Climate Corps provide students and young adults from historically marginalized backgrounds with hands-on experience, professional development, and network-building opportunities. Learn more
8. Bring Nature to the Ballot
As part of the Nature for Massachusetts Coalition, we’re advocating for the state to dedicate $100 million annually to conserve land and protect clean water, improve outdoor recreation, and build climate resiliency, through the Nature for All bill. A second round of signature collection to get this on the ballot will take place May 6-June 17, and will need a strong team of volunteers to support efforts. Stay up to date on how you can help
9. Go Wild for Massachusetts Wildlife
This month, we're launching a yearlong celebration of Massachusetts wildlife. With fun facts, free resources, program and events, and opportunities to show your support, we're in for one wild year. During Earth Month, we're highlighting the Spotted Salamander, one of our most elusive and charismatic amphibians. Their sensitive habitat needs can teach us all about how we care for the Earth and its inhabitants. Go wild
10. Become a Mass Audubon Member
If you love nature and want to protect it, join our community of 160,000 members! Our members help us every day to address big environmental issues like biodiversity loss, equitable access to nature, and climate change. They inspire us to do more and make a difference in the world. Members make our work possible; and your membership makes large scale impact possible.
Stay Connected
Don't miss a beat on all the ways you can get outdoors, celebrate nature, and get involved.