Find Earth Day events and activities in the District of Columbia, on April 22 and throughout the month!
Don’t see your event? Email the details to [email protected].
**Indicates events where DDOE is the lead or a participant.
Friday, April 10 | 8am–5pm | 2015 Water Resources Research Symposium
The Water Resources Research Institute of the University of the District of Columbia is hosting a symposium, titled “Urban Water Management and Resilience in Uncertain Times.” Experts from governmental agencies, academia, the private sector, and non-profits discuss challenges and opportunities for local, national and international sustainable management of water resources and infrastructure. Councilmember Mary Cheh is a featured speaker.
- University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law, 4340 Conn. Ave. NW
- Paid registration required
Saturday, April 11 | 8:30am–noon | Trash Trap Cleanup at Marvin Gaye Park**
Join DDOE to clean up the Marvin Gaye Park Bandalong Trash Trap as part of the larger Potomac Watershed-wide cleanup. Please RSVP to Matt Robinson at [email protected] or 202-442-3204.
- The site is at the intersection of 61st Street and Banks Place NE.
- Free and open to the public.
Saturday, April 11 | 9am–noon | 27th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup
Help clean up a street, schoolyard, or park to remove trash before it goes into storm drains or other waterways that feed into the Potomac River. This annual cleanup engages citizens and community leaders and generates momentum for change.
- Multiple locations in DC, VA, MD, PA, WV
- Free and open to the public. Please RSVP.
Sunday, April 12 | 12–4pm | Anacostia River Festival**
DDOE’s Watershed Protection Division will showcase its watershed trailer at the first annual Anacostia River Festival, presented by the 11th Street Bridge Park and National Park Service. The Anacostia River Festival is the official closing of the 2015 National Cherry Blossom Festival and celebrates the natural world by focusing on the history, ecology, and the communities along the banks of the Anacostia River . Activities include hands-on art projects, musical performances, boating, fishing workshops, tours of historic Anacostia, bike parades, and other unique programs to engage families with the environment. This event encourages District residents and tourists alike to explore communities and parks east of the river.
- Anacostia Park, 1900 Anacostia Drive SE
- Free and open to the public (kid-friendly).
Monday, April 13 | 8:30am–8:30pm | Good Jobs, Green Jobs 2015
This conference focuses on Energizing America—building up our electrical infrastructure to reduce waste, address climate change and create family-sustaining jobs. Speakers include Vice President Biden and Senator Elizabeth Warren.
- Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Avenue NW
- Paid registration required.
Monday, April 13 | 9am–1pm | United States Secret Service Earth Day Celebration**
DDOE will host an exhibit table on energy efficiency and RiverSmart Homes.
- DC Headquarters Building, Atrium, 950 H Street NW
- Open to Secret Service employees only.
Saturday, April 18 | 11am–7pm | Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day - National Mall **
The Global Poverty Project and Earth Day Network present this national event to inspire citizens to take action to end extreme poverty and address climate change. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other prominent speakers will address the crowd, and a free concert will feature No Doubt, Usher, Fall Out Boy, Mary J Blige, Train, and My Morning Jacket.
- National Mall, Washington Monument Grounds
- Free and open to the public.
Monday, April 20 | April 20–22 | 2015 National Symposium on Market Transformation
The National Symposium on Market Transformation is dedicated to energy efficiency and features leading thinkers, experts, and professionals who cover diverse and emerging topics within the scope of market transformation. The three-day program provides opportunities to network, compare program ideas, and learn about new Market Transformation approaches.
- Washington Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Road NW
- Paid registration required
Monday, April 20 | 7pm | ANC6B Community Meeting (Ward 6)**
DDOE will update neighborhood residents on the progress of the Anacostia River Sediment Project, which is investigating sources and risks of sediment pollution as a significant step toward cleaning the river.
- Hill Center at the Old Navy Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
- Free and open to the public.
Tuesday, April 21 | 10am–2pm | Move Green: Inside and Out - U.S. Department of Transportation**
DDOE will host an exhibit table. This event features green transportation options, green initiatives, and speakers on pollinator health and climate change. DOT employees can get tree saplings or pollinator-friendly seeds to plant at home.
- U.S. DOT Headquarters, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
- Open to federal employees only.
Tuesday, April 21 | 10:30am–2pm | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Earth Day Event**
DDOE will host an exhibit table. This expo will educate HHS employees about living greener and linking sustainability to their work and everyday lives.
- Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Ave SW
- Open to HHS employees only.
Tuesday, April 21 | 7pm | ANC8B Community Meeting (Ward 8)**
DDOE will update neighborhood residents on the progress of the Anacostia River Sediment Project, which is investigating sources and risks of sediment pollution as a significant step toward cleaning the river.
- Skyland Workforce Center, 2509 Good Hope Road, SE
- Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, April 22 | All day | Sustainable DC Annual Progress Report**
The 2015 Sustainable DC Progress Report will be released on Earth Day, April 22. The Report will provide a narrative and metrics on plan implementation, as well as a progress chart on individual actions that guide the District to be the healthiest, greenest, and most livable city in the nation. The Report will be available at DDOE Earth Day events and online at www.sustainabledc.org.
Wednesday, April 22 | 8:30am–2:30pm | DC Veterans Administration Medical Center Earth Day Fair**
This event provides environmental and energy conservation information for veterans, staff, and visitors. DDOE will host an exhibit table on environmentally responsible home improvements and disposal of solid and hazardous waste.
- DC Veterans Medical Center, main lobby, 50 Irving Street NW
- Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, April 22 | 11:30am–2pm | U. S. Department of Commerce Earth Day Event
The U. S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Programs will host an Earth Day 2015 event to showcase vendors and organizations who offer environmentally friendly, green products and services.
- Herbert C. Hoover Building, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW
- Open to U.S. Department of Commerce employees only.
Wednesday, April 22 | 9am–noon | Path to Zero Waste – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recoup**
Join DDOE, DPW, Office of the Clean City, and the Department of General Services for a summit showcasing how the District is working to increase the city’s recycling rate, adopt innovative technologies, and work towards “zero waste” as stated in the Sustainable DC Plan. Mayor Muriel Bowser, DDOE Director Tommy Wells, and other local and national speakers will discuss the future of waste management and reduction. Panel topics include composting, reuse, reducing food waste, and anaerobic digestion.
- University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke Law School, 4340 Conn. Ave. NW
- Free and open to the public. Please RSVP.
Wednesday, April 22 | 10am–1pm | Earth Day at the National Zoo
Come celebrate Earth Day with the National Zoo's Sustainability Committee! Learn about the many green achievements and continued efforts throughout the National Zoo. Group tours of the green features of the American Trail leave from the Carousel at 11am and 1pm.
- Smithsonian National Zoo, Woodley Park Metro and Cleveland Park Metro (red line)
- Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, April 22 | 11am–2pm | Golden Triangle Earth Day Celebration**
Join the Golden Triangle BID, Earthworks, Casey Trees, the National Wildlife Federation, City Wildlife, the Urban Forestry Administration, GoDCGo, and the U.S. Green Building Council for outdoor Earth Day demonstrations, recycling, and helpful tips. The event will also showcase the four urban rain gardens that the Golden Triangle BID inaugurated last spring with funding from DDOE and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.
- 19th Street NW, near the intersection with L Street
- Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, April 22 | 5–8pm | ecoSPEAK – Green Capital**
Join DDOE and NoMa BID for an Earth Day speakers program. What’s good for the environment is good for the economy! Get an insider’s view on green businesses: startups, innovation, and jobs Speakers begin at 6:30 pm. Arrive early to test drive Riide electric bikes and visit the parklet by Washington Parks and People. The speakers include:
- Jeff Stefanis, Riide - electric bike startup in DC
- Jen Hawse, Relay Foods - a new model for farm-to-table deliveries
- Ruthie Mundell, Community Forklift - reuse center for home improvement supplies
- Travis Price, Travis Price Architects - shipping container apartments in Brookland
Moderator: Lauren Adkins, Department of Small and Local Business Development
- 1200 First Street NE, Lobby / NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro (red line)
- Free and open to the public. Please RSVP.
Thursday, April 23 | 9am–11:30am | Carlos Rosario Annual Green Fair**
DDOE will host an exhibit table. The fair will feature interactive activities and information tables to promote environmental preservation to students.
- Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, 514 V Street NE
- Open to Carlos Rosario students only.
Thursday, April 23 | 12–2pm | 6k Walk for Water**
Join the U.S. Department of State for the annual 6k Walk for Water to acknowledge the millions of people in the developing world who walk an average of six kilometers to collect water for their families. DDOE Director Tommy Wells will speak at the beginning of the walk. There will be a scavenger hunt along the route and a water break at the halfway point, where walkers will hear from experts from the World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and WASH Advocates about water issues from around the world.
- Starting line is 2201 C St NW
- Free and open to the public (kid-friendly). Please register
Thursday, April 23 | 6:30–10pm | Casey Trees Canopy Awards 2015
The Canopy Awards is a night filled with live bands, awesome food and drink, special guests and endless fun dedicated to celebrating DC’s trees and toasting individuals doing amazing work to re-tree DC. All raised funds benefit Casey Trees and help plant more trees across the District.
- DOCK5, Union Market, 1309 5th St NE
- Ticket purchase required.
Wednesday, April 24 | 11am–2pm | Storm Drain Markers in NoMa**
Volunteer with DDOE to help mark storm drains in NoMa with durable signs that raise awareness of pollutants and promote stewardship of the Anacostia River. Please RSVP to Erin Fenton at [email protected].
- 1200 First Street NE, NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro (red line)
- Free and open to the public.
Friday, April 24 | 10am–2pm | U.S. Botanic Gardens Earth Day Celebration
Come enjoy cooking demonstrations with seasonal produce and meet with representatives of environmental organizations throughout the region. Learn all the ways that you can make the planet a healthier place and become a more active steward of the plants that support life on Earth. DDOE/Sustainable DC will host a table with green tips and giveaways.
- U.S. Botanic Gardens, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Conservatory Terrace
- Free and open to the public (kid-friendly).
Friday, April 24 | 10am–2pm | Trinity Baptist Church Community Health and Wellness Fair**
The DC Office on Aging is presenting this event. DDOE will host an exhibit table with energy efficiency tips, program information, and sustainable giveaways.
- Trinity Baptist Church, 1814 Central Place NE
- Free and open to the public.
Friday, April 24 | 10am–4pm | Friends of National Arboretum Annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale
This two-day event offers carefully curated offerings, including rare and hard to find plants as well as tried and true favorites, along with expert advice to guide you through selecting them.
- National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue NE (free parking)
- Free admission. Members only from 10am–1pm. Open to the public from 1–4pm.
Saturday, April 25 | 9am–noon | Anacostia Watershed Society Cleanups**
As part of the larger Anacostia Watershed Society cleanup throughout the watershed, DDOE is coordinating three cleanup sites: Alger Park, River Terrace Park, and Fort Dupont Park. Clean up will be followed by a celebration (with free food and entertainment) at Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Bladensburg, MD. The signups for DDOE sites are full, but please RSVP for other sites in the Anacostia Watershed where you’d like to volunteer!
- Multiple locations in DC, VA, MD
- Free and open to the public.
Saturday, April 25 | 9am–4pm | Friends of National Arboretum Annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale
This two-day event offers carefully curated offerings, including rare and hard to find plants as well as tried and true favorites, along with expert advice to guide you through selecting them.
- National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue NE (free parking)
- Free admission. Open to the public.
Saturday, April 25 | 11am–2pm | Mount Pleasant Community Civic Fair **
DDOE will join various government agencies at the Mount Pleasant community Civic Fair, which aims to better connect Mount Pleasant residents with local service-oriented institutions.
- La Casa, 3166 Mount Pleasant Street NW
- Free and open to the public.
Saturday, April 25 | Noon–8pm | Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival **
The Sixth Annual Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival features two main stages of bluegrass and Americana music with co-headliners Cabinet and Larry Keel Experience and more. The festival will celebrate local music, food, and culture as well as the revitalization of the Anacostia River, while supporting hands-on education programming provided by Living Classrooms on Kingman Island.
- Kingman Island, entrance at RFK Stadium Lot 6, 575 Oklahoma Avenue NE
- Ticket purchase required (kid-friendly).
Saturday, April 25 | Noon–9pm | Broccoli City**
The Broccoli City Festival promotes living a healthier and more environmentally sustainable lifestyle in cool and relevant ways. It encourages people to have fun while empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and environment. This event features music from Erykah Badu and other great performers, as well as art, fitness, food, and more. DDOE/Sustainable DC will host a table with green tips and giveaways.
- Gateway DC Pavilion, 1100 Alabama Avenue SE
- Paid ticket required
Sunday, April 26 | noon–3pm | Earth Day and Soils Celebration at OLD CITY Farm & Guild
Join OLD CITY Farm & Guild, GoodSoil Events, Center for Food Safety, and Butterkup Flowers to celebrate Earth Day and the International Year of the Soils. This community event will feature environmental vendor booths, wreath-making, composting demonstrations, beehive displays, local food vendors and tasty beverages in the garden, and sales of soil, flowers, and other supplies for your gardening and farming projects.
- OLD CITY Farm & Guild , 925 Rhode Island Ave NW, Shaw-Howard U Metro (yellow and green lines)
- Free and open to the public. Please register.
Tuesday, April 28 | 4:30–7pm | Pepco 2015 Earth Day Expo
Pepco and their non-profit and business partners will showcase innovative energy solutions and initiatives that help protect the environment.
- Pepco Edison Place Gallery, 702 Eighth Street NW
- Free, but RSVP required. Business attire is requested.
Wednesday, April 29 | 10am–3pm | MedStar Family Choice Health Fair**
DDOE will host an exhibit table with energy efficiency tips, program information, and sustainable giveaways.
- THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE
- Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, April 29 | 1:30pm | Energy Patrol School Assembly (Ward 6)**
DDOE will present an interactive and fun Energy Patrol Assembly at Brent Elementary School, with eco-friendly demonstrations, games, and giveaways to help students identify wasteful energy consumption in their school and homes.
- Brent Elementary School, 301 North Carolina Avenue SE
- Open to Brent Elementary students only.
Thursday, April 30 | 9am–2pm | Takoma EC Health and Wellness Fair**
DDOE will host an exhibit table on ways to improve environmental health.
- Takoma Education Campus, 7010 Piney Branch Road NW
- Open to Takoma EC students and parents only.