by Sandra Murphy

The federal Every Student Succeeds Act, passed in December 2015 to take effect in the 2017-2018 school year, is the first law in U.S. history to include language that supports environmental education. Plans call for it to be integrated with current state standards, graduation requirements, teacher development and assessment, funding sources and policy action steps.

EducationWorld.com offers lesson plan ideas for students. For example, students from third grade through high school might collect their household junk mail and explore ways to reduce it. Those in kindergarten through eighth grade may create a binder of information on endangered species that includes maps, animal facts and threats to their survival, exploring causal interconnections throughout the planet. Students can also build a cafeteria compost pile or find ways to improve their school’s recycling program.

Kathleen Rogers, president of the nonprofit Earth Day Network, on EarthDayNetwork.org, says, “We need to promote environmental consciousness into our children’s curricula so they are able to analyze problems, think critically, balance needs and take informed action.”

Earth Day isn’t just one day. Aware citizens can take a rewarding action every day. Help Charlotte celebrate and forward its progress toward sustainability at these local Earth Day 2017 events.

 

UNC Charlotte Earth Day Festival

Wednesday, April 19 · 10am-2pm

Belk Plaza (South Side of Kennedy Bldg.)

9214 S. Library Ln., Charlotte

Celebrate Mother Earth at one of the longest running festivals at UNC Charlotte. Learn about local businesses and organizations that are helping the environment and how you can help too. Free admission.

 

Eco Tour of Gaston County Businesses

Thursday, April 20 · 9:30am-2pm

Register at 704-853-2787 or [email protected] by Tuesday, April 4

Take a bus tour and learn about environmentally friendly services, product and projects of participating companies. Free admission.

 

Every Day is Earth Day Celebration

Friday, April 21 · 10am-3pm

Latta Plantation Nature Preserve

6211 Sample Rd., Huntersville

Drop by the nature center to play games and create crafts and celebrate Earth Day! Free admission.

 

Earth Day at Berewick Recreation Center

Friday, April 21 · 4-7pm

5910 Dixie River Rd., Charlotte

Register with Cara by Wednesday, April 19 at 980-314-1102. Ages 18+. Join a Community Service Event rain or shine to build a pollinator garden, setup a bird feeder and build a wildlife habitat. Free admission.

 

Earth Day at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market

Saturday, April 22 · 8am-5pm

1801 Yorkmont Rd., Charlotte

Visit certified nursery vendors and professional horticulturalist to learn about the importance of plants. Free admission.

 

Earth Day at Latta Plantation

Saturday, April 22 · 10-11:30am

6211 Sample Rd., Huntersville

Drop by the nature center to play games and create crafts and celebrate Earth Day! Free admission.

 

Earth Play at The Schiele Museum of Natural History

Saturday, April 22 · 10am-3pm

1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia

Celebrate Earth Day by playing classic carnival games with an “earthy” twist. Learn about local organizations that support and conserve the environment. Museum admission.

 

Arbor Day/Earth Day – Indian Trail and Stallings

Saturday, April 22 · 10am-3pm

Chestnut Square Park

320 Chestnut Pkwy., Indian Trail

Join family-friendly festival and celebrate our natural environment through hands on activities, live music, educational demonstrations, and unique exhibitors of “green-friendly” products. Free games, giveaways, tree class 101, Poetry Contests, and more! Free admission.

 

Earth Day at Anne Springs Close Greenway

Saturday, April 22 · 10am-5pm

288 Dairy Barn Ln, Fort Mill, SC

Enter the “Recycled Runway” Competition and showcase in your costume what you care most about in the environment or just enjoy activities for all ages including border collie demonstrations, cane pole fishing, canoeing and kayaking, face painting, geocaching, lead-line horse rides and farm animals. Dog Park Open House 10am-2pm. Free admission.

 

Earth Day at First Ward Park

Saturday, April 22 · 12-5pm

301 E. Seventh St., Charlotte

Join us at First Ward Park for a family friendly Earth Day event. Free admission.

 

Earth Day: Family Prairie Sweep

Saturday, April 22 · 2:30-3:45pm

McDowell Nature Preserve

15222 S. York Rd., Charlotte

Register at 704-588-5224 or Online. Ages 6+. Join a naturalist and discover local flora and fauna. Take a short hike and perform a prairie sweep to catch insects. Free admission.

 

Re:Design Fashion Show

Saturday, April 22 · 7-9pm

Discover YOU

420 E. Central Ave., Mt. Holly

View an Eco-friendly fashion show where the models on the runway are clothed in garments made of recycled material. Free admission.

 

Talon to Table – for Carolina Raptor Center

Saturday, April 22 · 7-10pm

The Farmstead

8063 Mauney Rd., Mt. Pleasant, NC

Must purchase tickets in advance. Motor Coaches available to/from Mosaic Village near Uptown Charlotte. Enjoy a farm chic gala in a sophisticated, rustic barn on a cattle farm. Dinner is family-style and paired with Carolina beer, wine & spirits. All proceeds benefit Carolina Raptor Center’s Annual Fund. $150 Single, $250 Couple.

 

Earth Day Festival at Levine Jewish Community Center

Sunday, April 23 · 10am-2pm

5007 Providence Rd., Charlotte

Come recycle electronics, shred paperwork, and enjoy a family friendly event featuring vendors, crafts and food. Free admission.

 

2017 Sustain Charlotte Awards

Wednesday, April 26 · 5:30-8:30pm

LaCa Projects Gallery

1429 Bryant St., Charlotte

Nine award-winning visionaries. Nine locally curated courses. One incredible journey into Charlotte’s future through the eyes, hearts, and hands of our sustainability leaders. $70.

 

Earthfest 2017 at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30 · 11am-3pm

6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont

Enjoy activities for the entire family such as vendors, crafts, music, lawn games, planned hikes and more. Ages 12+ Upcycled Card class at extra charge and must register online. Garden admission.