April is Earth Month and it is all about appreciating the nature and wildlife on our planet. Of course we are all familiar with Earth Day, an international celebration of environmental awareness held on April 22. The first Earth Day was organized in 1970 and brought about significant policy changes for a cleaner and healthier planet. Since then, it has become a global movement. Nearly 200 countries around the world recognize Earth Day. More than a billion people across the globe come together on this day each year to promote healthy stewardship of the planet with an emphasis on education.
Hot on the heels of Earth Day, we celebrate Arbor Day (April 24). This holiday celebrates trees and all their benefits. It began with a tree planting ceremony in Nebraska in April of 1872, although the idea is not exclusively American. The first ever documented tree planting festival was held in Spain in 1594. A more modern approach to Arbor Day began in Spain in 1905 while China adopted a similar custom in 1915.
Portage Park District is hosting their 28th annual Environmental Conservation Awards Dinner on April 25 this year. Awards are given to local Environmental advocates. Look online for other local nature/wildlife themed events in April.
There are other, lesser-known days in April celebrating nature including, but not limited to World Aquatic Animal Day on April 3, International Beaver Day, which is April 7, International Bat Appreciation Day is April 17. April 25 gives us both Celebrate Trails Day and National Birding Day. An internet search will provide a complete list of April days honoring nature and wildlife.
In addition to individual days celebrating nature, April boasts four different nature themed ‘week’ celebrations. Be Kind to Spiders Week is April 5-11, I think that one is pretty self-explanatory.
This year, April 13-20 is International Dark Skies Week. This event was started by a high-school student over 20 years ago to boost awareness of light pollution. The celebration aligns with the new moon and communities are encouraged to turn out the lights and appreciate the natural night sky, stargazing at its finest.
Originally April 18-26 was National Park Week. The National Park Service (NPS) has moved the celebration to August 22-30 this year. This change coincides with NPS 110-year birthday on August 25. Mark your calendar because on that day entry admission for all national parks is waived for US residents.
Rounding out the month is American Camp Week (April 24-30). This week is a reminder of all that is wonderful about camping and the outdoors. It encourages Americans to unplug, unwind, and get out into nature. While I love camping, I think maybe this one should be postponed for about a month. April in Northeast Ohio may not leave one with a great desire to go camping again.
Whether observing National Dandelion Day on April 5, Going fishing on April 11 for National Catch and Release Day, or advocating for amphibians on Save the Frogs Day (April 28), there are plenty of opportunities this month to honor and appreciate nature. Any day that our natural world is celebrated is a good day.