Things to Do Around West Sound in April to Celebrate Earth Day

If you lead an environmentally conscious lifestyle, every day is as good as any to celebrate our planet. But Earth Day is especially meaningful because it’s an occasion to celebrate Mother Earth as well as spread awareness.

Did you know that Earth Day was founded by Gaylord Nelson, who was a governor and senator from Wisconsin? His efforts and environmental activism led to, among other things, the Environmental Protection Act, Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

On first Earth Day, in 1970, about 20 million Americans took to the streets to celebrate. The movement spread around the world — billions of people participate now in more than 190 countries.

Among this year’s events will be a March for Science on April 22 in Washington, D.C., with similar marches planned across the country, including in Seattle.

Here are some of the many things happening in West Sound throughout the month (some events are not specific to Earth Day but have an environmental connection):

Bainbridge Island

• April 21 and 28: Historic Tree Walks with renowned plant pathologist Olaf Ribeiro (read an article about Ribeiro in the May/June edition of WestSound Magazine)
• April 22: Trashion Show (fashion show featuring repurposed materials)
• April 23: Afternoon on the Trails (a special Earth Day walk at Islandwood)

Poulsbo

• April 13: Kitsap Beach Naturalist Training (first day of class for a six-week course)
• April 22: Earth Day Wildlife Tour (a five-hour, family-friendly paddle adventure that begins at the Olympic Outdoor Center)

Silverdale

• April 29: Beach Cleanup

Bremerton

• April 18: Kitsap Water Festival at the Fairgrounds
• April 29: Sinclair Inlet Cleanup

Port Orchard

• April 10: Annual Kitsap County Earth Day Award Presentation (during county commissioners’ regular meeting, with additional video program to be aired on BKAT and online)
• April 22-23: Friends of the Manchester Library annual plant sale (watch our blog for more information next week)

Gig Harbor

• April 29: “River of Spirit” film screening (a documentary about the rebirth of Elwha River and its people and salmon) at Harbor History Museum

April also marks Arbor Day — it’s great time to plant a tree! Events include a celebration and tree planting in Bremerton, April 12, at Blueberry Park; and a celebration with tree giveaways, music and more at Gig Harbor Civic Center on April 29.