Today is Earth Day! Earth Day is a yearly celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement, draws attention to the environment, and promotes conservation and sustainability – protecting Earth’s natural resources for future generations.
Get involved this weekend with these 5 earth-friendly Earth Day activities in Cedar Rapids:
Saturday, April 22 | The Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio, 329 10th Ave SE, Suite 117, Cedar Rapids, IA
The Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio (ICCGS) will host an artist market in their studio on Saturday, April 22. This Art Market and Studio Fundraiser will be held in conjunction with Cedar Rapids EcoFest to celebrate Earth Day. Regional artists will sell handmade works of art centered around plants and Earth Day. Unique pottery, art originals, and prints will be for sale by individual artists during this event. ICCGS will host activities for the family, including seed bomb-making, wheel-throwing demonstrations, and drop-in workshops.
Join in the fun on April 22 from 11am-3pm and celebrate Earth day in the heart of Cedar Rapids!
2. Houseplant Swap
Saturday, April 22nd | Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Want to find new plants for your collection? Looking to trade houseplants that don’t bring you joy anymore? Bring your healthy plants or rooted cuttings for a plant swap on Earth Day. Participants can bring up to three potted plants or cuttings for the exchange. Each cutting or plant brought in will be awarded a ticket for trading. All plants should be in containers they can go home in. There will be no repotting at the event.
Plant and cutting check-in begins at 1pm. A house plant speaker will share their tips and tricks at 1:15pm. The swap starts at 1:45pm, with the earliest check-ins getting the first pick. At 2:30pm, all plants must go, and anything unselected will not need a purchased ticket.
3. EcoFest 2023
Saturday, April 22nd | NewBo City Market, 1100 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Celebrate Earth Day with Good Green Fun at EcoFest 2023. Enjoy live music, and live raptor programs, create your t-shirt (bring your used shirt to print on) and visit with many eco-friendly vendors AND much more.
4. Nature & Forest Therapy
Friday, April 21 | Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 E Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, IA
We invite you to join the land at Prairiewoods and certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Emelia Sautter, 6 to 8pm CST, for a walk with the natural world as we celebrate Earth on the eve of Earth Day. Experience Forest Therapy, a sensory-focused practice that invites us to slow down and be present with ourselves and the natural world around us. According to the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, “Forest Therapy is a practice that supports health and wellness through guided immersion in forests and other environments to promote the well-being of both people and the land.
5. Wake Up & Rake
Saturday, April 22 | Oak Hill Cemetery Cedar Rapids, IA
Weather permitting, the cemetery could use some help in removing old leaves, tree branches, and trash from the areas of the cemetery that cannot be mulched. A great service project for any organization or individual. Stay an hour or all morning (the start time is 8:30am). Every bit helps!
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