Earth Day 2022 Calendar

EARTH DAY 2022

Focuses on Collective Responsibility

Invest in Our Planet

As 1 billion people around the globe gather to mark Earth Day on April 22, they will be focusing on an increasingly critical goal: the need for everyone—governments, citizens and businesses—to do their part to combat climate change. “Everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable,” is the day’s emerging motto.

While Earth Day themes over the past 52 years have often centered on specific issues, such as plastic pollution and deforestation, this year’s broader theme, “Invest In Our Planet,” reflects a growing consensus that, at such a critical point for the Earth’s future, governments will not solve the climate crisis by themselves. “Like the industrial, space and information revolutions, all sectors of society can and must play major roles—this time with the extraordinary responsibilities to get it right,” reads a statement from EarthDay.org. Activism involves not only lowering carbon emissions, but also making sure that the benefits of the coming Green Revolution are spread evenly throughout society, the statement says. “In 2022, we all must enter into one partnership for the planet,” says Earth Day President Kathleen Rogers.

Events, such as rallies and social media campaigns, aim to encourage action and legislation, as well as educate on corporate and personal sustainability. Art shows allow attendees to visualize a better future while data collection for citizen-based science research and workshops find ways to build local green economies. All are appropriate ways to participate this Earth Day, as well as clean-up campaigns and tree plantings. To learn about personal actions, including step-by-step instructions on how to organize an event, visit EarthDay.org.

Help Charlotte and Greater Charlotte celebrate victories and support future progress by participating in these local Earth Day 2022 events.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21

Women Working for the Earth Summit (April 21-24) – 10am-9pm. Virtual summit brings together voices of thirty-five women and non-binary leaders ushering in a new paradigm – Winona LaDuke, Terry Tempest Williams, Leah Penniman, Rosemary Gladstar, Linda Black Elk, and many more. Learn more at www.natureevolutionaries.com. Free to attend live. Registration required. www.natureevolutionaries. com/women-working-for-the-earth.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

Ballantyne Earth Day Event – 8am- 12pm. Securely shred old documents and recycle electronics at the annual Ballantyne Earth Day Event. 13856 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Charlotte. www.goballantyne.com.

Earth Day Celebration (April 22-24) – 8am-7pm. Celebrate Earth Day at the Anne Springs Close Greenway with exciting outdoor activities all weekend. See website for schedule; activities include lead-line horse rides, fishing clinics, kayaking, guided hikes, reptile encounters, historic cabin tours and more. Free entrance. $5 parking non-members. 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill. 803-547-4575. www.ascgreenway.org/events/signatureevents/earth-day-celebration.

Earth Day Park and Neighborhood Clean-Up with Keep Charlotte Beautiful – 9am-12pm. We need a lot of energetic volunteers to help with a thorough cleanup of Albemarle Road. Email VolunteerServices@MeckNC.gov or call 980-314-1046. Albemarle Road Park, 9120 E WT Harris Blvd, Charlotte

Earth Day Beautification Day – 3-6pm. Help us beautify the grounds of Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center. Email VolunteerServices@MeckNC.gov. 2921 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte.

Earth Day Festival at Kings Mountain Preserve – 4-8pm. Come out and enjoy the sights and sounds at the 2nd annual Earth Day Festival at Kings Mountain Preserve. Live music performed by Kudzu Cowboys, guided tours, educational opportunities, giveaways, and food and beverages. Free. Kings Mountain Preserve, 321 Indian Springs Rd., Blacksburg. 877-375-2495. www.kingsmountainpreserve.com.

Ballantyne Movie Night: WALL-E – 5-9pm. “WALL-E” in celebration of Earth Day. Order food truck bites and take part in green-friendly activities before the flick on April 22. $5 per person and proceeds benefit Keep Charlotte Beautiful. Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N Community House Rd, Charlotte. www.goballantyne.com.

10th Annual Charlotte Sustainability Awards – 6-9pm. Celebrate sustainability leadership in Greater Charlotte by attending Sustain Charlotte's 10th annual Charlotte Sustainability Awards, presented by Duke Energy. We bring together sustainability leaders from various disciplines and sectors to celebrate Charlotte's incredible strides towards a smarter and more sustainable future. Individuals -$105, Table for 8 - $750. Extravaganza Depot, 1610 N. Tryon, Charlotte. www.sustaincharlotte.org/awards.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Gastonia Shred Day – 8am-12pm. Celebrate Earth Day, keep electronics out of our landfill and protect yourself from identity theft. Limit of 3 cardboard banker boxes of sensitive materials per vehicle. Also, Electronic Recycling (Goodwill Recycling will handle all data destruction). Accepting any electronics. No Tube TV's. Free. Gastonia Farmers Market, 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia. 704-869-1008. www.cityofgastonia.com/the-events/shred-day.html.

Earth Day with Kids in Nature – 10am-1pm. Presented with Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK) and Great Outdoors University. Eco-friendly exhibits and vendors, hikes, scavenger hunts, nature crafts and STEM activities. Free. Squirrel Lake Park, 1631 Pleasant Plains Rd, Matthews. www.matthewsnc.gov.

Arbor Day Celebration Free Fun-K – 10am-2pm. A Fun Free run/walk for everyone followed by the City of Statesville Arbor Day Celebration. Register for run: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Statesville/ArborDayFunK Runners, walkers, dogs, strollers, and everyone else is welcome. Statesville Soccer Complex, 2012 Simonton Rd., Statesville. www.facebook.com/events/1160947714745514/?ref=newsfeed.

Charlotte Earth Day 2022 – 10am-3pm. An interactive, science-based, theatrically presented, family-learning celebration of life on Earth to encourage good stewardship. A one-day event for the whole family. Bring the kids, go on an information treasure hunt and use your Earth Passport at five knowledge stations. Free. First Ward Park, 301 E 7th St., Charlotte. www.charlotteearthday.com.

2nd Annual Kids in Nature Earth Day Celebration – 10am-3pm. With yoga starting us off, artisan vendors, raffle prize pack, food trucks, kids' activities like face painting, balloon animals, story time, scavenger hunts and educational exhibits. We wish to encourage kids and families to get outdoors. Free. Lindsay Pettus Greenway, 453 Colonial Dr, Lancaster. www.downtoearthco-op.com.

Charlotte Drive Electric Earth Day – 10am-3pm. Check out a variety of electric vehicles (EVs) in person to learn more about the benefits of EVs and talk to current EV drivers about their experiences. Just a block away from the Charlotte Earth Day Celebration in First Ward Park. Free. Victoria Yards, 408 N Tryon Street, Charlotte. www.driveelectricearthday.org/ event?eventid=3167.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30

Garibaldi Festival Arbor Day Celebration – 12-6pm. Presented by the Environmental Sustainability Board, eco-friendly vendors, flower raffle and ladybug release. Stowe Park, 24 S Main St, Belmont. www.cityofbelmont.org.

Earth Jam 2022 – 4:30-7:30pm. Join us at Robbins Park and enjoy free "green" activities including crafts, demonstrations, wildlife habitat improvements, nature walks, plus live bands and more. For sponsorship opportunities and event information, call Mike Wolf at 704-892-6031 x192. FREE. Robbins Park, 17738 W. Catawba Avenue, Cornelius. 704-892-6031. www.cornelius.org/282/Earth-Jam.