Earth Day events around the Puget Sound region

Earth Day events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area include conservation, recycling, and other activities designed to educate us on the benefits of protecting our natural resources through mindful living.

Many events are free, but many require that you register in advance. We might also include events that have a small fee of $15 or less. Click on the links for more information or to sign up.

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Earth Day banner – DepositPhotos.com

About Earth Day

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s bestselling book “Silent Spring” raised the specter of the dangerous effects of pesticides on America’s countryside. Until that time, protecting the planet’s natural resources was not part of the national political agenda. Factories pumped pollutants into the air, lakes and rivers with few legal consequences. Big, gas-guzzling cars were considered a sign of prosperity.

Throughout the 1960s, Senator Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat from Wisconsin, developed the idea for Earth Day after being inspired by the anti-Vietnam War “teach-ins” that were taking place on college campuses around the United States. He envisioned a large-scale, grassroots environmental demonstration raise awareness about environmental issues and transforming public attitudes. In the fall of 1969, Nelson announced the Earth Day concept at a conference in Seattle and invited the entire nation to get involved.

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. The event activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Throughout the 1970s, a number of important pieces of environmental legislation were passed, among them the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. More info: Earth Day | US EPA

Today, Earth Day is a globally celebrated by more than 1 billion people. It is sometimes extended into Earth Week with seven days of events focused on green awareness, conservation, sustainability, and related environmental issues. More info: Earth Day: The Official Site | EARTHDAY.ORG and Earth Day 2022 – HISTORY

2023 Earth Day Events in Seattle and Washington State

Here are some of the key events for Earth Day. Find more events in our calendar below.

April 22, 2023. Dawn to dusk. Free Entrance Days in National Parks, First Day of National Park Week. Event is FREE.
April 22, 2023. Dawn to dusk. Washington State Parks Free Days. The Discover Pass will not be required to visit state parks on Earth Day (Apr 22). Event is FREE.
April 22, 2023. 11AM-2PM. Earth Day | City of Sammamish Join the City of Sammamish and Sammamish Stewards for an Earth Day Celebration with a variety of activities and events.
April 22, 2023. 9AM-12PM. Parks Appreciation Day – Metro Parks Tacoma. Participants are needed to spruce up Tacoma parks in the morning by trimming limbs, grooming grounds, combing beaches, and maintaining restoration areas. Each person counts! Register to lend a hand to keep parks beautiful, our community strong and connected, and being a good steward of the earth.