The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970, the brainchild of Gaylord Nelson, a senator from Wisconsin. He wanted to “get the nation to wake up and pay attention to the most important challenge the human species faces on the planet.” Designed as a day to sponsor “teach-ins” at college campuses across the nation, more than 20 million people gathered at colleges, schools, and communities to show their concern for the environment. Lawmakers were given notice: the people wanted clean water, clean air, protection for endangered species, and more. By December of that year, Congress had created the Environmental Protection Agency.
Now, more than 50 years since Earth Day began, it feels more urgent than ever to pay attention. One lesson from Earth Day is that everyone’s actions count, no matter how large or how small, and that our strength lies in collective action. Here at Maine Audubon, (though we think every day is Earth Day) we’ll be celebrating and we invite you to join us.
FALMOUTH (Greater Portland):
Gilsland Farm Audubon Center
Join us on Earth Day weekend for a special Play Me a Story program from Portland Stage! Enjoy a performance of specially-curated Earth Day themed children’s stories followed by an interactive acting workshop with Portland Stage’s Education Artists and Maine Audubon educators.
Saturday, April 20, 10:30 am-12 pm; $15 per child with accompanying adult, and $8 for each additional child, best suited for ages 4-10
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Mother Earth says Witapehtipon! Let’s be Friends! Join us for a Wabanaki-centered celebration of Ewikuwosset (Mother Earth) for families. Wabanaki educators and Maine Audubon staff will lead activities and walks to help us all connect with nature and culture for Earth Day. The event will include a traditional welcome followed by storytelling, a guided walk, a making area, and self-guided activities. All ages welcome, program designed for ages 3-9. Passamaquoddy children’s author Minquansis Sapiel will have copies of her book, Little People of the Dawn, for sale and signing. Please come dressed to explore the wonders of the forests and fields around us together.
Sunday, April 21, 10am-noon (doors at 9:30am)
$15/family for members, $20/family for nonmembers
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HOLDEN (Greater Bangor)
Fields Pond Audubon Center
Learn about small ways you can take action to make a big impact on your local ecosystem’s health. This celebration will be full of free activities. You can join a family-friendly beginner bird walk (9:30 and 11 am), build a Bird Nesting Box (workshops at 9:30 and 11 am with a $25 member/$30 nonmember fee), make native plant seed balls, and more.
Saturday, April 20, 9 am – 12:30 pm
More info >
SCARBOROUGH:
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center
Join us for this spring Earth Day tradition. We will gather at the Nature Center, 92 Pine Point Road, Scarborough, for a cleanup of the marsh and beaches. There will be refreshments, displays, and information on how you can be a better steward to this beautiful part of the earth. We’ll supply all you need to help pick up trash and debris. This event is also sponsored by, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Scarborough community. We will also be collecting food for Project GRACE. Groups are welcome. Registration is helpful but not required.
Saturday, April 20, 9 am-12 pm
More info >
FREEPORT
Our Coastal Birds Crew will be at Green ME Up, the annual Earth Day event organized by the Girl Scouts of Maine. It’s a free family-friendly event with all kinds of activities and displays. Meet our biologists and technicians to learn all about coastal shorebirds and what you can do to help make the habitat safe for them to nest and raise their young.
Saturday, April 20, 10 am-2 pm, LL Bean Flagship Campus, Freeport
More info >
PORTLAND
In celebration of Earth Day, Maine-based designer and maker of luxury home goods angela adams will donate 10% of all sales between April 18 and April 22 to Maine Audubon. Shop the brand’s newest Maine landscape-inspired and sustainably made rugs and accessories online at angelaadams.com or in their new showroom at 40 Free Street in downtown Portland. During this time, enjoy 15% off your purchase using promo code earthday and know you’re supporting a local business and our organization at the same time!
Join Maine Audubon staff members on Saturday, April 20, 10 am for an educational nature-based activity.
angela adams, 40 Free Street, Portland
