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Earth Day Activities, events and volunteer opportunities all month long

By Collin Kelley

While debate continues to rage over the effects of climate change around the globe, more than 190 countries will mark the 49th annual observance of Earth Day on April 22. Here in Atlanta, a month of events has been announced by various nonprofits designed to bring awareness to sustainable and green efforts as well as to encourage residents to get involved at the local level

EarthShare Georgia

The nonprofit that helps raises funds for state environmental organizations is hosting two big events for Earth Day 2019. First up is the annual Earth Day Leadership Breakfast on April 18, 8 to 10:30 a.m., at The Fairmont. The event brings together the business and environmental communities for a seated breakfast and a morning of networking, learning, and exploring sustainability topics. This year’s breakfast will feature keynote speaker Beth Wytiaz, Global Environmental Operations Manager at Bank of America, a panel discussion on land issues, presentation of annual awards, and member group organizations will showcase their work in addressing environmental issues. The EarthShare Georgia Celebrates Party will be held on May 10, 5 to 8 p.m., at Ponce City Market. Guests will connect with the environmental community and learn about the work being done for a greener Georgia. There will also be an opportunity to engage with the businesses and learn about their corporate sustainability efforts. The popular silent and live auctions will feature environmental and outdoor experiences, gear, art and more. For more information, visit earthsharega.org.

Trees Atlanta

The nonprofit will host its 7th annual Native Plant Sale on April 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carter

Center in Poncey-Highland. Over 100 varieties of native perennials, grasses, shrubs, edibles and tree-friendly vines will be available for purchase. The selection showcases many of the native perennial wildflowers that are planted on the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum. All proceeds will benefit Trees Atlanta’s planting and education programs. And don’t forget that there are walking tours of the BeltLine Arboretum on the Eastside and Westside Trails on alternating Saturdays all month long. Visit treesatlanta.org for all the details.

Sweep the Hooch

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper will conduct its 9th annual Sweep the Hooch on April 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s cleanup will include 40 sites with more than 500 volunteers expected. Since 2011, the event has removed more than 80 tons of river refuse. To register, visit Chattahoochee. org.

Georgia Tech’s Earth Day Celebration

The 22nd annual event is set for April 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Tech Walk. The event is free, open to the public and features exhibitors, eco-friendly giveaways, recycling opportunities, a clothing swap, spoken word contest and more. For more information visit earthday.gatech.edu.

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