This year marks the 53rd anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement, commemorated annually as Earth Day.
Rallying behind this year’s theme, Invest in Our Planet, the Chapel Hill/ Orange County communities, will host several events including festivals and informational gatherings in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough as well as on the campus at University North Carolina.
Here are some events to consider:
April 1, 2023
UNC Science Expo - Celebrate science with the community at this annual event. Sustainable Carolina will have a table with hands-on activities demonstrating on renewable energy.
April 22, 2023
Bike the Trail Ride with Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger. – There will be light discussion outside the community center regarding connectivity, riding bicycles for health, and keeping the environment clean there will be an emphasis on 2023 being N.C.’S designated Year of the Trail. The event takes place Saturday, April 22, Earth Day, from 2-4 p.m. at the Chapel Hill Community Center, 120 S. Estes Drive. All ages are encouraged to ride the trail route, which begins at the Community Center for a ride down Bolin Creek to Umstead Park and back. Bring your own bike. Some extras will be available just in case.
Earth Day Benefit for Haiti at the Farm Chapel Hill
Join a special Haiti Benefit Festival on Earth Day, April 22, 12:00–5:00 PM, at the Farm, Alice Ingram Circle in Chapel Hill. Enjoy the music, taste the flavor of Haiti, and learn how you can collaborate with Haitian families in restoring their agricultural heritage. Hosted by Two Mules, the event is open to the public. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and beverages, and enjoy the music of Taxicab Preacher, the Marigold Collective, and Shades of Blue with the Bon Fritay food truck and Haitian speakers. There is no fee to attend.
Earth Day Celebration Carrboro
With the Chapel Hill Service League, the Town of Carrboro is collaborating on an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 22 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main St.
Carrboro's Earth Day event will feature a variety of information and education tables to learn more about climate and environmental topics in our community and Community Climate Action initiatives such as Carrboro's Green Neighborhood initiative, Solarize Carrboro, weatherization, sustainability, food footprint, composting, recycling and EV vehicles. There will be activities for children including a parade (animal and plant costumes welcome), planet-friendly vegan and vegetarian food for purchase, and climate and environmental Earth Day Free Book giveaways.
April 28, 2023
Earth Evening in River Park
On April 28, in conjunction with Hillsborough’s Last Fridays, the Orange County Parks and Recreation group will host Earth Evening in River Park in Hillsborough. Several booths and tables from agencies and groups like Piedmont Wildlife will participate and there will be activities for kids.
