Every year, April is dedicated to showing some love to Mother Earth. Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 30) are observed nationally as days to educate everyone about the importance of clean air, land and water. It’s time to think green, and South Florida cities have come up with plenty of ways to bring awareness to energy- and water-saving efforts as well as recycling and the environmental value of planting trees.
Here are ways to take part in a city near you:
The 21st annual Arbor Day Free Tree Giveaway is not letting COVID-19 derail the city’s free event for residents. Converting to a drive-thru event, the annual giveaway will take place at Butterfly Parking Lot, 5280 NW 40th St., from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 24. Residents can enter the event from Banks Road and drive slowly to the appropriate lane for the tree selection. Trees will be placed in the trunks of each vehicle. Lane A is offering avocado, gumbo limbo, mango and orange Geiger trees, while Lane B will include pink tabebuia, silver buttonwood, loquat and yellow trumpet trees. Individuals are advised to have a second or third choice in mind in case their first choice is not available. Visit bit.ly/3cXyqjJ.
Fort Lauderdale
Promoting the protection of the environment, the city of Margate is having a Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Disposal event on Saturday, April 24 at the Oriole Park parking lot, 7055 NW First St., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents will have the opportunity to safely dispose of household hazardous waste and shredding of sensitive documents for no cost. Hazardous waste items include paint cans, pool chemicals, compact fluorescent light bulbs, cleaners, oils, batteries or household pesticides. Any electronic item that has a plug or takes batteries is also eligible to be recycled. Individuals must show proof of Margate residency. Visit margatefl.com/hhw.
Pembroke Pines
Families can gather their art supplies and visit the Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan St., at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 28 to create something based on Paul Czajak’s book, “Trees Make Perfect Pets.” Once finishing, guests will be able to share their creations at the end of the program. To register, visit bit.ly/3fUCJ1c.
Pompano Beach
Sunrise
Weston
Residents can celebrate Earth Day by picking up and taking home a craft bag from the Weston Branch Library, 4205 Bonaventure Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Craft bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The event is sponsored by the Weston Friends of the Library. Visit broward.libnet.info/event/5026008.
Miami
The Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., is celebrating Earth Day with its “City of Trash” performance on Saturday, April 24 at 11 a.m. Streaming live via Zoom, the virtual puppet show will be followed by an interactive workshop, allowing members of the audience to build their own puppets using pieces of trash and found objects. Only one ticket reservation is required per household. A Zoom conference call link will be emailed to registered individuals within 24 hours of the performance. Visit bit.ly/3wGwJyM.
Boca Raton
From live animal encounters to interactive activities, the Daggerwing Nature Center, 11435 Park Access Road, is offering an array of free Earth Day festivities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 24. Guests can also enjoy the butterfly plant sale, ladybug release as well as other activities. Some of the festivities will include a minimal cash or check donation to Friends of Daggering Nature Center. Reservations are not required. Visit discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Pages/Daggerwing.aspx.
Boynton Beach
Delray Beach
Wellington
Earth Day and Arbor Day will be celebrated together in the village from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 17 at Wellington’s Town Center Promenade, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd. Events planned include a tree planting with Village Council; free seedlings and native shrubs; a free raffle for a tree in a 15-gallon container; recycling, composting and respecting the Earth learning opportunities; a proper tree-pruning demonstration; and vendors, including the Wellington Tree Board and Garden Club. Admission is free. Masks and social distancing are required.
Coral Springs, Florida - Young athletes can now receive discounted sports physicals from Carbon Health…
Coral Springs, Florida - Zecharya Frisch was a Coral Springs resident before relocating to Israel,…
Coral Springs, Florida - Coral Springs Charter softball won the Big-Eight Championship to cap off…
Parkland, Florida - Many local vehicles have been forced to avoid the region for months…
Coral Springs, Florida - A seasoned volleyball coach approaches the game very differently from other…
Coral Springs, Florida - Superhero Swim Academy is a new swim school that is creating…