This Earth Day graphic was made by Katie Thorn.
Each year, people gather far and wide to celebrate and appreciate Mother Earth. Since the holiday’s beginning in 1970, Earth Day has become a worldwide celebration to appreciate the planet they live on. As each calendar year goes by, Earth and environment lovers get more and more excited for April 22, the official day to celebrate the planet.
Towns and counties across the world come together to host Earth Day festivities. Earth Day has become a day to bring communities together, to appreciate the earth’s natural habitat, and to remind community members to stay sustainable. These festivities occur across the globe but what is South Jersey doing to celebrate Earth Day?
Just like thousands of other communities across the world, South Jersey will be hosting a plethora of Earth Day activities for mother nature lovers.
From Atlantic County to Salem County, there will be Earth Day celebrations for everyone.
Atlantic County
Atlantic County has become home for thousands of New Jersey residents and a hub for tourists to travel to. With around 300,000 residents located in Atlantic County, there will be a plethora of activities for community members to enjoy and to celebrate the planet.
On Sunday, April 27, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority, also known as ACUA, will be hosting an Earth Day Festival. Community members can gather at the ACUA Environmental Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to experience Earth Day in Atlantic County. With over 150 vendors, free workshops, and interactive exhibits, Atlantic County communities can learn more about the Earth and celebrate the planet. The celebration will bring Atlantic county residents environmental entertainment such as a gem and mineral show and a recycled fashion show.
Burlington County
Burlington County will be hosting its annual Earth Fair on Sunday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton New Jersey. Fair goers can expect live entertainment, presentations, and recycling and clean community tents. This event will allow Burlington County residents to drop off environmentally harmful everyday items such as shopping bags to be recycled for reuse and used for something good.
Camden County
Each year, Camden County community members can look forward to the county’s annual Plant Sale. On Saturday, April 26, from 9am to 2pm, locals can gather at the Sustainability Campus in Blackwood to purchase cheap plants, and win garden prizes. Environment lovers can celebrate the planet and purchase some plants in honor of Earth Day.
Cape May County
Cape May County is the home to around 94,000 people. The small-town community will be celebrating Earth Day at the Cape May County’s Board of Commissioners Earth Day celebration. On Saturday, April 26, the Cape May County Park and Zoo will host the community to a plethora of food trucks, eco-educational entertainment, and environmental exhibits. Earth lovers in the shore towns can gather and celebrate Mother Earth with their other community members.
Cumberland County
In the heart of South Jersey lies Cumberland County. For the April 22 Earth Day celebration, the Bridgeton City Book Club will be meeting on Thursday, April 24, and will be discussing their Earth Day-themed book. Book club members chose “Beaver Land,” by Leila Philip, to read for the month of April. Book and environment members can meet with like-minded environment lovers on Thursday, April 24th at 5pm at Bridgeton City Public Library.
Gloucester County
With a population of around 311,000 people, Gloucester County is full of community spirit and togetherness. The community can come together to celebrate mother nature on April 26 at Betty Park in Pitman, NJ. Waterpalooza Earth Day, will last from 10am to 12pm and will offer community members environment-related activities and plant giveaways. Festival goers can expect to connect with nature as free kayak rides will be available and can interact with live animals.
Rowan University, located in Gloucester County, will be hosting a campus wide Earth Day event on April 22 from 10am-7pm. The Earth Day event, Rowan’s BioBlitz, has a nine hour itinerary filled with environmental themed events for Rowan students. From a self guided nature walk across the Glassboro campus, to a bug safari, there will be environmental events for any and every Rowan University student to attend to celebrate the Earth.
Salem County
While Salem County is home to 65,000 people, the county does not have any Earth Day celebrations posted. While the county may not be hosting any events, residents can still celebrate the annual holiday. Salem County citizens can plant greenery, learn more about the environment, or attend events in the surrounding counties to celebrate the planet.