Earth Day is more than just a day or even a week, it reminds us of what we can do to improve the health of our planet. All 36 Virginia State Parks will be offering educational programming or volunteer opportunities to help make a difference. Many of the projects are part of the semi-annual Stewardship Virginia campaign and volunteers will receive a certificate signed by Governor McAuliffe for participating.

Click here for a list of programs and projects for Earth Week between April 16 and 24, 2016.

Earth Week tree plantings across the state

In honor of Virginia State Parks’ 80th anniversary six parks are hosting BioBlitzes: Chippokes, Hungry Mother, Natural Tunnel, Powhatan, Sky Meadows, and York River state parks. A nationwide event, started by National Geographic, in a BioBlitz teams of volunteer scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to find and identify as many species of animals, microbes, fungi, and other organisms as possible. These BioBlitzes are in partnership with the Virginia Geographic Alliance.

Educational and informational programs include an alternative energy demonstration at Westmoreland State Park, the annual plant sale and workshops at Southwest Virginia Museum, and a special Earth Week themed program on both Saturdays at Holliday Lake State Park.

Governor Terry McAuliffe helps plant a butterfly garden for Earth Day 2015

Tree plantings, pollinator gardens and cleanups join some unique programming like Caledon’s Annual One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Art contest where volunteers clean up the beach and create art from the collected trash. At Leesylvania State Park help build a 48 square foot greenhouse out of two liter bottles.

Park entrance fees are waived for visitors participating in volunteer projects. Check individual listings for requirements, like advance registration, and contact the park for additional information.