Earth Day Events Around New England

On April 22, environmental enthusiasts around the world will take part in Earth Day with park cleanups, family festivals, and environmental education events. Celebrations and service projects for the holiday are happening throughout New England over the next few weeks. Here’s a roundup of those events.

Earth Day Mudfest, Burlington, Vt.

April 12-April 27

A subtle nod to spring’s mud season, ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center’s Earth Day Mudfest will feature 16 days of games and activities for families. Join in the “mud fling’’ every day at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., where participants drop handfuls of mud down three stories toward a giant target. Other activities include animal interactions, wildlife movies, a super-sized mud play table, and a service day. Check out a variety of local Vermont musicians in the Muddy Music Festival, daily at 12:30 p.m. The festival is free with aquarium admission.

EcoTarium Earth Day Celebration, Worcester

April 25

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The EcoTarium in Worcester will host its annual Earth Day Celebration. Attendees can enjoy half-price admission and a variety of indoor and outdoor family-friendly activities. Check out the EcoTarium’s beautiful trails, ponds, and woods — you may even spot some local wildlife. Events and programs include science experiments and guided activities, live music, art projects, and environmental presentations. The Planetarium will also feature special shows. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children 2-18, $5 for seniors and students with ID, and free for EcoTarium members.

Earth Day Celebration, Dover, N.H.

April 22

At the Children’s Museum in New Hampshire, Earth Day is all about supporting a healthy planet. Guests can learn about seeds and plant a flower to take home with the Wentworth Greenhouses, make birdfeeders with Stafford Rivers Conservancy, and create sun catchers with Revision Energy. All activities are free with museum admission.

Earth Day Festival, Newtown, Conn.

April 26

Newtown’s Seventh Annual Earth Day festival is anticipated to be bigger than ever. The full-day family event will showcase local natural resources and teach the community to be greener. A community clean-up will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with gift certificates and prizes up for grabs. Enjoy live music, food cooked with a solar oven, a special birds exhibit, taiko drumming and more. The event will also feature a local green vendor fair and “Bring Your Bill,’’ a booth where guests can learn to lower their electric bill. The event is free.

Remick County Doctor Museum and Farm Earth Day, Tamworth, N.H.

April 22

Spend a day with nature at the Remick Museum and Farm. Explore the farm, meet the animals, and participate in family activities. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include nature dyeing with plants, a nature hike, a kid’s garden activities, a gardening talk for adults, transplanting overview, and a recycled art project. Farmhouse Kitchen baked goods will also be for sale. The event is free with regular admission.

Party for the Planet at Roger Willams Park Zoo, Providence

April 21-April 25

The sustainability themed event will be hosted just in time for April vacation. Families can learn about the environment and take part in a variety of daily schedule events. Visit the New England Casey Farm, learn to plant seeds, create animal sculptures with a professional artist, take circus lessons, and more. Face painting, animal encounters, and sustainability lessons will also be held. Vendors and booths will be set up throughout the zoo. Swing by the Cat Country 98.1 to win prizes or visit the Rhode Island Bee Keepers Association. The event is free with zoo admission.

Earth Day Celebration, Mystic, Conn.

April 27-April 28

Celebrate animals and the environment at the Mystic Aquarium Earth Day celebration. Kids can participate in scavenger hunts, hands-on activities and games throughout the weekend. Staff will also teach attendees how to reduce their personal impact on the environment. Activities are included with aquarium admission.

Green Neighbor Family Fest, Portland, Maine

April 26

Mainers can enjoy the annual Urban Runoff, the kickoff event to the Green Neighbor Family Fest in Portland. Following the 5K, families can participate in hands-on activities focusing on water and going green. Check out the games, visit the tide pool touch tank, and figure out composting and healthy lawn care. Events will go from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and are free.

Discover WILD Day, Concord, N.H.

April 19

The 25th annual Discover WILD Earth Day celebration will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The outdoor festival is free and open to the public and will feature exhibits from local environmental and conservation organizations. Families can see live animals such as fish and trained falcons. Instructors will be on hand to teach basic archery, fly-tying, and BB gun shooting. Crafts and environment education will also be available for those who want something more low-key.

Annual Earth Day Community Cleanup, Smithfield, R.I.

April 19

The Smithfield Conservation Commission & the Smithfield Department of Public Works Recycling Program are hosting the annual community clean-up from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. For those looking to give back to a local community, show up rain or shine behind the Smithfield police station. Supplies are provided.

Race Against Extinction, Boston

April 19

If you were born to be wild, Boston’s Race Against Extinction is the perfect way to give back on Earth Day. The 5K race kicks off at 11 a.m. and proceeds will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund. Sign up online for a chance to race and win one of infamous recycled hub cab trophies.