Test drive an electric car, take an eco-cruise on the Hudson River, plant flowers, clean a park, check out the zoo, and much more as the Meadowlands area celebrates Earth Day. The official theme for 2023 is Invest In Our Planet.
Now in its 53rd year, Earth Day was launched on April 22, 1970 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It now includes a wide range of events coordinated worldwide by earthday.org, with over 1 billion people participating in more than 193 countries.
Celebrations in the greater Meadowlands region continue through Saturday, May 6. More events will be added as they become known.
Week of April 16
East Rutherford. The TiLT Museum at American Dream is holding a free Earth Day craft everyday through Saturday, April 22 in the party space.
There are numerous options to color. The museum is located in the Garden Court on Level 1 and opens at 11 a.m. daily; closing times vary from 8 to 10 p.m. and The TiLT Museum offers an immersive art experience and is family-friendly.
Newark. In celebration of Earth Day, NJ Transit is offering new customers an opportunity to Try TRANSIT free and is also launching its first ever Bicycle, Scooter and Pedestrian Access Survey. The survey aims to gather information and assist NJ Transit in supporting safer access to public transit for cyclists, scooter riders, and pedestrians.
As part of the Try TRANSIT promotion, now through April 23rd, the first 5,000 new customers are eligible to receive one free round-trip ticket through the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App using the promo code “EARTH23.” The tickets must be used by April 23.
The online survey can be taken at njtransit.com/bikes now through the end of National Bike to Work Week, which is May 15 through May 21.
More information about NJ Transit’s other promotions and sustainability efforts can be found here.
Thursday, April 20
Paramus. Bergen Community College is giving a nod to Earth Day with a musical tribute, “The Seas Are Rising: An Earth Day Concert Event” on Thursday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre, Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus. Doors open at 7 p.m.
The concert experience by Dan Sheehan will be performed by Bergen Community College music faculty and special guests.
The show aims to call attention to the urgency of the climate crisis, with the goal of spreading awareness through entertaining music, lyrics, and visuals. There will also be a discussion on the need for immediate action to fend off a worst case scenario for the planet.
The songs focus on people around the world already facing consequences of climate change — floods, droughts, fires, and hurricanes, from the Americas to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The music tells the story that the time for climate action is NOW, combined with a message of hope that “we can come together and demand action from our leaders.”
“The Seas Are Rising” is written by BCC music professor Dan Sheehan, and is performed by a band featuring various faculty and area musicians playing a variety of instruments from Western and non-Western traditions.
Call 201-493-3620 for more information. Click here for tickets, which cost $15 for general admission seating. Student tickets are $5 and senior citizens are $10.
Friday, April 21
Carlstadt. Soj Foods in Carlstadt, a vegan food company, is celebrating Earth Day with its second Underground Supper Club, by reservation only.
There will be a new theme and secret plant-based menu that includes a five-course meal plus complimentary cocktails.
The menu is inspired by the blossoming of Spring, delicate produce, and “our earthy roots.” To make a reservation, email sojfoodco@gmail.com or fill out this form.
Saturday, April 22
Jersey City. Lincoln Park, Jersey City — Hudson County’s oldest and largest park — is holding an Earth Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, hosted by the HCIA.
There will be a free artist demonstration and drawing instruction workshop and participants will receive a free art supply pack, while supplies last. Walk-ins are welcome but pre-registration is encouraged. Children under 10 years old require adult participation.
Other activities include:
- Free Home Depot poolside birdhouse kit pack. Pick one up while supplies last.
- The Magic of Wishing Trees. Trees are a universal symbol of hope, life, and resilience. Participants are invited to explain why Earth Day is special to them by hanging their wish on the JCPC wishing tree.
- Self-Guided Nature Scavenger Hunts. Participants who return completed cards receive a fun surprise.
- Make your own Binoculars. Coordinated with the Friends of Lincoln Park West and Next Step Broadway Dancers and Volunteers.
- Free Pollinator Children Field Guides. Pick one up and say hello to West Side Community Alliance (WSCA).
- Learn more about the Liberty State Park Restoration projects with the Friends of Liberty State Park
- Learn about NJ Native Birds with the Feminist Bird Club Jersey City Chapter, park member events & more!
- Meet the crew of community volunteers and find out how to get involved.
Hasbrouck Heights. The Hasbrouck Heights Green Team is honoring Earth Day with its annual Community Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Hasbrouck Heights is embracing Earth Day with its annual clean-up event. Individual, families, and community groups are invited to participate. Volunteers must register in advance for planning purposes.
Volunteers should arrive at Borough Hall at the Madison Avenue entrance located at 320 Boulevard. Assignments will be distributed during registration at the beginning of the event.
People will be assigned to clean up and beautify the parks, roadways, and neighborhoods by picking up litter. Cleanup materials, such as bags, gloves, and pick up sticks will be provided.
Paramus. At the Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus, the 15th annual Party for the Planet is being held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the Bergen County Zoological Park and County of Bergen.
Participants can learn about local conservation facilities and how they work to protect the planet. Conservation and education-related tables will be located throughout the zoo with information
Sunday, April 23
Paramus. People can participate in a variety of activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 23 with the Bergen County Zoo staff. The event is free; just pay admission at the front gate. No advanced ticketing is required.
This event features a variety of conservation and education-related tables located throughout the zoo with information, activities, and free prizes. The event is free with admission.
Tuesday, April 25
The Drive Electric Car Day event is hosted by the FDU Sustainability Task Force and includes EV test drives from local dealers including Chevrolet, Audi, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes and Volvo.
EV owners will also be on hand, as well as a live DJ, and ice cream provided courtesy of FDU Dining Services.
Owners of EV vehicles attending so far include Tesla Model 3, BMW i3 REx, Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Nissan Leaf (2018+), Tesla Model S, and 6 Models.
Registered attendees report having driven a total of 239,037 electric miles.
The event is presented by Plug In America, Electric Vehicle Association, Sierra Club, EV Hybrid Noire.
May 6
Secaucus is celebrating its 12th Annual Secaucus Green Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at Secaucus Xchange, 2000 Riverside Station Blvd., Secaucus.
The event will include Earth Day festival activities, environmentally-conscious vendors, exhibits and fun activities for all ages. There also will be food and eco-friendly products will be available for purchase.
Admission to the event is free. Vendors and volunteers are still needed. Anyone interested can email the Secaucus Environmental Department at environmental@secaucus.net.
Events include:
Kids Yoga at 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. for ages 3 and up, on the grass behind the gazebo on Riverside Station Boulevard. Bring a mat if preferred over the grass. Parents can participate.
Basics of Birding from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. with Don Torino, president of the Bergen County Audubon Society (BCAS). Learn the basics of birding followed by a one hour guided bird walk.
All about Raptors from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. with the Tenafly Nature Center.
Eco-Cruises with the Hackensack Riverkeeper. Boats depart at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. from the Laurel Hill County Park Boat Launch on Laurel Hill Road. Ages and up. Reserve a seat at the Hackensack Riverkeeper booth starting at 11 a.m.
