6 Earth Day Events in the Hudson Valley

Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has been a unifying global event, bringing neighbors together in service and stewardship of our planet. Human-caused pollution, littering, and environmental disasters have taken a big toll on the planet’s natural resources, but the fauna and flora, soil, air, and water are our legacy to protect. As Teddy Roosevelt once said, “We have fallen heirs to the most glorious heritage a people ever received, and each one must do his part if we wish to show that the nation is worthy of its good fortune.”

From a music festival to nature cleanups, there are a variety of Earth Day events that you can sign up for to celebrate the Earth and show you appreciation for our region’s natural treasures. So step outside, embrace the natural world, and celebrate Earth Day 2018 in the Hudson Valley.

A Spiritual Earth Day Weekend
Friday, April 20–Sunday, April 22 | Woodstock

Discover your spiritual connection with nature at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD), a Buddhist monastery at the foot of Overlook Mountain in Woodstock. Join practicing Buddhists and environmental activists in meditation, a visit to Woodstock Animal Sanctuary, storytelling sessions, and more. The weekend is full of activities, including a free film screening of “The Last Pig,” a “Creating Your Own Wildlife Garden” workshop, and time for prayer and reflection. For more information, visit KTD’s website or call (845) 679-5906, ext. 1012.

Earth Day Celebration and Hike-A-Thon
Saturday, April 21, 9:30am to 3pm | Cornwall-on-Hudson

Head to Hudson Highlands Nature Museum to hike its Outdoor Discovery Center. With four trails of varying difficulties to choose from, the hike is open to all ages and abilities. Afterwards, enjoy the family-friendly Earth Day celebration. This year’s theme is “Reducing the Use of Plastics.” There will be fun and educational games and activities, live music, hayrides, and live animals. For more information, visit the Hike-A-Thon event page, or call (845) 534-7781.

Earth Day Cleanup of Crystal Lake
Saturday, April 21, 10am to 3pm | Newburgh

Lend a hand to Scenic Hudson and pitch in to clean Crystal Lake, located right off of Little Britain Road on Temple Avenue in Newburgh. From Scenic Hudson’s event page:“Show your love for Mother Earth by helping us continue restoration of the long-ignored natural treasure that's making a remarkable comeback as a community asset.” For more information, email Project Manager Anthony Coneski or call (845) 473-4440, ext. 273.

Earth Day Festival
Saturday, April 21 to Sunday, April 22, 10am to 4pm | Warwick

This event is a collaboration between Sustainable Warwick and Wickham Works. On Saturday, donate your usable, unwanted goods and help Sustainable Warwick recycle at the “Too Good To Toss” event. On Sunday, join Wickham Works for “Treecycle,” a series of artist workshops demonstrating how to turn “garbage” into art and useful objects. The event will also feature music-making for all ages, an artisan market with repurposed treasures, and a lantern walk through the Treecycle Forest at 7pm. All festivities take place at Stanley Deming Park. For more information, call (917) 922-0943.

Earth Day Yoga Retreat
Sunday, April 22, 9:30am to 1pm | Rhinebeck

Participate in an intimate yoga session at Izlind Integrative Wellness Center and Institute of Rhinebeck. Professional yoga instructors will guide the small group through three yoga practices that will help to ground yourself and connect with the Earth. Skip Paynter will teach Kundalini, Jessie Lee Montague will teach Vinyasa, and Claudia Gukeisen will teach Yoga Nidra. The event is $65 per person, and space is limited. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit the event page or call (845) 516-4713.

2018 Riverkeeper Sweep
Saturday May 5 | 100+ locations in the Hudson Valley and NYC

Join Riverkeeper’s largest day of service to the Hudson River. From Brooklyn all the way up to the Adirondacks, volunteers will help clean the river and its tributaries. The seventh annual Riverkeeper Sweep comes to dozens of locations across the Hudson Valley, including Cold Spring, Kingston, and Poughkeepsie. Afterwards, volunteers can grab a drink on the house at participating breweries. Visit the 2018 Riverkeeper Sweep event page for the full list of locations.