Tucsonans can trek a national park, enjoy a concert in the park or take a run at the Biosphere to celebrate Earth Day.
Since 1970, Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22 every year, and there are many ways people can celebrate our Earth and help it thrive.
We found five fun ways to celebrate Earth Day in and around Tucson.
Oracle State Park’s staff and Friends of Oracle State Park organize musicians along the 1.3-mile Nature Trail. The musicians are spaced out so visitors can enjoy the music and the sounds of nature. Seven musicians will be set up on the trail.
“We want to get visitors out into nature, experience the beauty of nature, and build an emotional connection to this environment,” Park Manager Sinda Sutton said. “Our goal is to provide this connection through music and hiking.”
The event is held at 3820 E Wildlife Drive in Oracle from 4-6 p.m., with live music at Kannally Ranch House from 6-8 p.m. It costs $7 per vehicle.
To kick off National Park Week (April 20 – April 28), admission to all national parks, including Saguaro National Park, is free on April 20. Every day of the week, the National Park Service has a different theme that showcases ways to learn and get involved with the national parks. The National Park Service will host events and activities throughout the week, ranging from Junior Ranger Day to Arts in Parks.
If you’re looking for something active to do to celebrate Earth Day, then the 5K at Biosphere 2 is the way to go. The 5K will take place on April 20. The course goes outside the facility on a mostly paved path with amazing views of the mountains.
After the 5K, live music, food and other activities will be provided. Everyone who registers gets a free tour of Biosphere 2. All proceeds go to the Ocean Reef research project.
Runners need to register by April 18. The fee is $40 for adults and $5 for the children’s 5K. The race starts at 8:30 a.m., and the activities end at 11 at Biosphere 2, 32540 S. Biosphere Road in Oracle.
Children’s Museum Tucson: Earth Day
The Children’s Museum of Tucson is throwing a free community event to celebrate the Earth. The event is “a free community event made to educate families about appreciating the earth’s environment with different exhibitors holding different activities and information, promoting Earth Day awareness,” said Lee Diaz, the museum’s digital marketing coordinator.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 20, there will be activities for all ages outside and for younger children inside.
The event is free, but entry into the museum, 200 S. Sixth Ave., is pay-what-you-wish.
Earth Day at Heirloom Farmers Market
Heirloom Farmers Market is celebrating Earth Day by hosting local farmers and producers and inspiring customers to grow their own food, recycle, compost, and do so much more.
“We celebrate Earth Day by planting seeds and drawing attention to the sustainable practices used by our vendors,” said Lena Melnick, the director of operations.
The event, from 8 a.m. to noon, is free and will feature more than 100 vendors and live music at Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
