Earth Day is a day we set aside every April to focus on cleaning up this planet we all share. But it’s more than that, it’s also a day to renew our pledge for Earth-conscious living the other 364 days. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities, activities and events to celebrate, learn and care for our planet. Here are things to do for Earth Day near Olympia and throughout Thurston County during the month of April.
Spirituality, Science, and Nature
April 6, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
2306 East End Street NW, Olympia
This 1-day class hosted by the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation explores how we can live with the earth and nature in simple and profound ways, and how our spirituality can be deeply rooted in our belonging to the natural world around us. Based off the book, “Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit” by Lyanda Lynn Haupt. Register online.
Procession of the Species Costume Workshop
April 12, 5:30 p.m.
Timberland Regional Library
313 8th Avenue SE, Olympia
Want to get involved in this year’s Procession of the Species in celebration of Earth Day? Head to the Timberland Library in Olympia where they will be working on a tribute to the library’s unofficial mascot, the Olympia Otter. Head to the Library website for more information on what to bring.
Master Gardeners Presents ‘Love to Garden’
April 18, 1 p.m.
Timberland Regional Library
7023 New Market Street, Tumwater
Nothing says Earth Day like learning about Gardening! WSU Master Gardener Toni will be sharing how she makes her vegetable garden grow.
Earth Day Student Challenge and Community Event
April 20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tenino City Park
399 W Park Avenue, Tenino
The Chehalis Lead Entity is doing an event for all Tenino School District students, staff and local/area community members who want to spend some time volunteering at Tenino City Park! The event will include clean-up projects, learning and discussing ways to support our natural communities, and joining in on various Earth Day-centered activities. There will be information tables with local and area organizations all to support and celebrate our home planet! Free lunch will be provided by Tenino Lions Club for clean-up participants at 12 p.m.
The PARC Foundation, along with area Lions Clubs, is proud to announce the annual Earth Day Volunteer Event & Student Challenge. The event will take place at various park locations throughout the community. Students can participate through their schools, with each school competing for the top prize. To register and choose their preferred park location, all participants can visit the PARC website.
Water Heroes
April 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WET Science Center
500 Adams Street NE, Olympia
WET Science Center is showcasing how to be a water superhero for Earth Day 2024! The whole family can engage in fun activities including crafts, playing games and creating your own superhero.
Washington Coast Cleanup
April 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Twin Harbors State Park
Join a Washington Coast Cleanup Day at Twin Harbors State Park for Earth Day. Register online at the CoastSavers website.
2024 Friendship Fun & McLane Earth Day Celebration
April 20, 9:30 a.m.
McLane Elementary School
200 Delphi Road SW, Olympia
Westside Cooperative Preschool is holding a 1-mile fun run at McLane Elementary School for the entire family. Strollers and dogs are welcome! After the run, stay for the Earth Day activities hosted by McLane Elementary. Register online at the Active website.
Hansen Community Council Earth Day with PARC Foundation
April 20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Priest Point Park, 2600 East Bay Drive NE, Olympia
Wonderwood Park, 5304 32nd Avenue SE, Lacey
Squaxin Park, 2600 East Bay Drive NE, Olympia
Tumwater Historical Park, 802 Deschutes Way SW, Tumwater
Tenino City Park, 399 W Park Avenue, Tenino
Frye Cove Park, 4000 61st Avenue NW, Olympia
Head to one of the parks listed above on April 20 for an Earth Day celebration focusing on raising money for a new playground. The Hansen Community Council has partnered with the PARC Foundation to put on these amazing work parties. The Lions Club is offering an award of $1,000 to the school with the most student volunteers! Second place will be awarded $500! Head to the PARC Foundation website to register.
2024 Earth Day Market Ride
April 20
Cutters Point Coffee (5.6 miles)
Lacey Boulevard and Pacific Avenue roundabout.
9:30 a.m. or earlier for coffee
Trail Roundabout (Intersection of Chehalis and Woodland Trails) (4 miles)
10 a.m.
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls (a family-friendly starting point and route) (3 Miles)
Please walk bikes through the park to the kiosk at the multi-use trail entrance.
9:45 a.m.
Olympia High School (3.5 Miles)
Meet at bike racks on Carlyon Ave side of school (NW corner of school bldg).
10 a.m.
Roosevelt School parking lot entrance (2 Miles)
10:10 a.m.
Garfield Elementary School (1 Mile)
Garfield Avenue and Plymouth Street NW.
10:15 a.m.
The Evergreen State College (5.6 Miles)
Meet at Red Square Loop by the bus stop
9:30 a.m.
Intercity Transit is kicking off their 37th Annual Bicycle Community Challenge with Earth Day bike rides! Choose from several of rides in different places and lengths throughout Thurston County (see above list). Check the Intercity Transit website for detailed information and any updates as the events draw near. There will be free Market Tokens, Dancing Goats coffee, San Francisco Street Bakery treats, juices, gluten-free treats and more including a prize drawing.
4th Annual Earth Day Event
April 21, 1 p.m.
Decatur Woods Park (rain location: Temple Hatfiloh)
Co-sponsored by Restoring Earth Connection, Interfaith Works, and Green Faith Oly, this year’s event has an Endangered Species theme. 6th Grade Science students from Thurmond Marshall Middle School will have Endangered Species Masks that they have made. There will be music, poetry and verbal sharings that celebrate our Earth.
Luminary Procession
April 26, 8:30 p.m.
Downtown Olympia
The Luminary Procession is back after a four-year break and we are all so excited to head to Olympia and experience the magic of lanterns and rice paper creatures.
Procession of the Species
April 27, 4:30 p.m.
Downtown Olympia
Also returning is our favorite parade, the Procession of the Species! Head to downtown Olympia on Saturday, April 27, 2024 for this incredibly colorful experience celebrating our Earth.
Stewardship Projects
April 28, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bayshore Preserve, Shelton
Capitol Land Trust will be celebrating Earth Day on Oakland Bay with a number of stewardship projects to pick from including monitoring a prairie restoration plot; creating wildlife habitat; and removing herb Robert & English Ivy from the preserve. The event will wrap up with an optional site tour where folks can learn more about wildlife, plants, and the restoration work that’s happened at Bayshore Preserve. Register on the Capitol Land Trust website.
