Since its origin in 1970, Earth Day has grown to become the planet’s largest civic movement, collecting the support of more than a billion people. It’s a day to appreciate Mother Earth’s abundant beauty while being mindful of how our daily actions can protect (or harm) the delicate balance of the natural world. For Earth Day’s 52nd anniversary, the theme is “Invest in Our Planet,” intended to call attention to allocating our resources toward green and sustainable solutions.

Here in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, home to the Everglades, Biscayne Bay and miles of beautiful beaches, there’s no shortage of ways to honor and give back to our shared home as Earth Day approaches on Friday, April 22, 2022.

Aspen Ideas: Climate

Although it takes place several weeks after Earth Day, the Aspen Ideas: Climate conference embodies the ideals of Earth Day. The conference takes place in Miami Beach from May 9-12, 2022 at various locations including the New World Center and the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Members of the public are invited to register to attend and engage with thought leaders including lawmakers, business leaders, scientists, influencers, artists and innovators, as they discuss ways to mitigate climate change.

Baynanza's 40th Anniversary

Baynanza celebrates Biscayne Bay as one of the most important ecological systems in Miami, and this year marks its 40th anniversary. On Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to noon, thousands of volunteers will unite for Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day across 27 locations in Miami-Dade County. Since its founding in 1982, more than one million pounds of trash have been removed from the shoreline. Come pitch in and help keep Miami beautiful for all to enjoy.

Earth Day Nature Talk

Immerse yourself in an afternoon of climate change education, facilitated by on-camera contributing meteorologist, founder and author Bonnie Schneider and Patch of Heaven Sanctuary Chief Experience Officer Suzanne Jewell. A master of mindfulness, Jewell is determined to help shape the connection between humans and nature, in the peaceful South Dade oasis that is the Patch of Heaven Sanctuary. The event will take place on Friday, April 22, from 1-4 p.m.

Earth Day Yoga Flow At The Garden

Taught by yogi Nicole (Nikkie) Rodriguez, this guided yoga session will awaken your senses in a lush garden setting. Appreciate the natural surroundings at The Pleasant Garden in South Dade, while practicing intentional breathing. The class begins at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 23. General admission is $15.

Earth Love Festival

Take part in the day-long Earth Love Festival on Saturday, April 23, featuring a jam-packed schedule of music, dancing, educational panels and eco-friendly shopping. The festival is being held at a botanical garden called Mango Grove in South Dade, and the proceeds will go to the Aguacate Sanctuary of Love Farm and Animal Rescues.

Everglades birds — Discover the diverse ecosystems at Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park spans 1.5 million acres of diverse ecosystems, made up of marshes, mangroves, prairies, sloughs and hundreds of different animal species, some of which are endangered. It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Wetland of International Importance. Ranger talks and special programs are scheduled throughout the year, and on Saturday, April 23, “Junior Rangers” can participate in an Earth Art! program at 10:30 a.m. at the Flamingo Visitor Center. Be sure to bring mosquito spray on any visit to the park.

“Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” Exhibit

The GoneMIA Collective is putting on the "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" show from April 22 - 24 at Unbranded Brewing Co. in Hialeah that will feature the thought-provoking work of Hialeah-based artists who use their creativity as a method of inspiring positive environmental change. IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Company will perform at the opening reception on Friday, April 22.

Maria Schneider Celebrates Earth Day At The University Of Miami

Enjoy a night celebrating the arts in honor of Earth Day, presented by the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute’s artistic director Maria Schneider. The show is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 22 at the Gusman Concert Hall on the University of Miami campus in Coral Gables. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance.

Crandon Park Beach Lifeguard Stands — Join a coastal cleanup

Miami-Dade County Parks Cleanup

Join one of the three coastal cleanups taking place on Saturday, April 23, at the Venetian Causeway in Miami Beach (9 - 11 a.m.), Crandon Park in Key Biscayne (9 - 11 a.m.) and Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.). Keeping the ocean and bay ecosystems clean is vital to the health and preservation of our coastlines. The Miami-Dade County Sea Turtle Conservation Program will be present at the Crandon Park location to share information with participants. Remember to wear sunscreen and comfortable clothes, and pack a water bottle and snacks.

Zoo Miami Sloths — Go on educational missions to save the planet at Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami Party For The Planet

Zoo Miami is organizing Party For The Planet, an interactive scavenger hunt for kids, on April 23 and April 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests will complete educational missions in a quest to save the planet after downloading the Eventzee app and entering the Zoo Miami event code. There’s even a chance of winning a participation prize and spinning a prize wheel, depending on how many missions the visitor completes.