Here’s how Earth Day in Delaware will look in 2021

2021 marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, which falls on April 22 this year. And April 20 and 21 are now an official part of the celebration as well.

While many Earth Day 2020 events were impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown, the world has adjusted over the last year to accommodate the continuing pandemic, with virtual and socially distanced events.

The official EarthDay.org plans three days of climate action, including a global youth climate summit led by Earth Uprising, the Hip Hop Caucus’s “We Shall Breathe” virtual summit and a live digital event that will run parallel with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Global Climate Summit on April 22.

If you want to spend Earth Day locally, here are some of the virtual and socially distanced events going on in the First State:

Wilmington

The City of Wilmington is stretching Earth Day into five days, with its Earth and Arbor Day virtual celebration from April 19 to 23. Each day from that Monday through Friday will have a different theme — Plant Powered Monday, Transportation Tuesday, Water Wednesday, Earth Day and Tree Friday — that includes themed content for all ages, an activity and a social media-based contest with a prize.

There will also be a series of three city-sponsored free webinars:

• The Dirty Secrets of Community Gardens — Learn more about why community gardens are a benefit to Wilmington, and how to get involved. (Monday, April 19, 6 to 7 p.m.)
• Go Green and Commute Clean — Join the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Delaware Commute Solutions, DART, Urban Bike Project and WILMAPCO as they discuss more sustainable forms of transportation. (Tuesday, April 20, 6 to 7 p.m.)
• A Conversation with Tomorrow’s Change Makers — Partnership for the Delaware Estuary talks with Malika Yates, reigning Elite Miss Delaware Earth and founder of The Global Ripple Effect Project Inc.; Megan Chen, director of The Urban Garden Initiative; and other young environmental leaders. (Thursday, April 22, 5 to 6 p.m.)

Newark

• The Newark Delaware Chapter of the Climate Reality Project will present its Earth Day Summit on Sunday, April 18, at 4 p.m. and Monday, April 19, at 3 p.m. The presenter will be Malika Yates.
• The Newark Parks & Recreation Department will hold Earth Day Volunteer Day on April 24 from9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the George Wilson Center. Volunteers will work on a special park maintenance project and learn about other volunteer opportunities. Single volunteers, groups, and families are encouraged to participate; pre-registration is required.

Middletown

Middletown Recycling Coordinator Kim O’Rourke will host a free virtual Earth Day event, Beyond Recycling: Zero Waste Swaps at Home, on Tuesday, April 20, at 7 p.m.at the Russell Library. Attendees will learn about ways to reduce waste and learn simple tips to recycle. Registration is required.

Dover

• Dover Township is accepting artwork with the theme “What Earth Day means to me” from children ages 5 to 12. The first 22 pieces of art received will be featured on the township’s social media posts celebrating Earth Day. Bring artwork to the Dover Township Building by April 19.
• Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve will hold a tree potting event at the St. Jones Reserve from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 24. Pre-register by April 16.

Lewes

• Lefty’s Alley & Eats in Lewes is hosting Drive Electric Earth Day on April 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. Electric vehicle owners can register their cars for a chance to win $250. At the event, people will have the opportunity to talk to EV owners and learn about EVs, charging, and state incentives. Masks and social distancing will be required for this in-person event.
• The Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes collected donations of plastic bottles and bags to offset the cost of a new recycled plastic bench at its entrance. The museum will unveil the new bench, manufactured by Eco Plastic Products of Delaware, on Thursday, April 22.