Spring is in full swing in Rochester, and it’s the perfect time to observe Earth Day and embrace sustainable practices for a better future. Earth Day is officially observed on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, but many events and activities take place on weekends. With Arbor Day on Friday, April 25, 2025, there’s a strong correlation between Earth Day and Arbor Day activities.
Rochesterians have various opportunities to participate in Earth Day initiatives, including community clean-up events, film screenings, and educational talks. While enjoying the area’s stunning natural landscapes and vibrant community spirit, join me in promoting sustainability and a healthier community for future generations. Let’s make every day Earth Day in Rochester. And remember to be an H2O Hero!
Local Cleanup Initiatives
Consider participating in community-led cleanup events to improve the cleanliness and overall appearance of our parks, rivers, and neighborhoods.
April 18–20, 2025: Canal Clean Sweep. Sponsored by the New York State Canal Corporation, this annual statewide event takes place along major greenways, canalside parks, and other public areas throughout the Canal corridor. Find an event near you at ptny.org.
April 12, 2025, 8:30 a.m.–Noon: 15th Annual Pick Up the Parks. Pick Up the Parks is a volunteer event held at various parks in Monroe County. The event starts at 8:30 a.m., when volunteers are required to arrive and sign in. They will also need to complete safety waivers. At 9 a.m., the park supervisor will distribute jobs and locations. Volunteers can expect to perform tasks such as picking up trash and litter, raking leaves and sticks, removing large rocks, sweeping out shelters and lodges, and, in some locations, weeding and mulching. Please note that the event is rain or shine, and unless the weather is extremely severe, we will not postpone the event. Learn more by visiting monroecounty.gov.
April 19, 2025, 9 a.m.–Noon: Community Cleanup at Durand Eastman Beach. Sponsored by the Seneca Park Zoo, join like-minded neighbors to help clean up our local green spaces. Tools, bags, and gloves will be provided, and all ages are welcome to attend. To register and learn more, please visit senecaparkzoo.org.
Outdoor Educational Activities
Participating in outdoor activities, such as nature hikes, birdwatching tours, or guided eco-tours, that take place in local parks or nature reserves will help you connect with nature.
April 19, 2025, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.: Earth Day at the Zoo. Included with Zoo admission, this family-friendly event features a full day of engaging activities focused on conservation, sustainability, and community action. Guests can participate in hands-on projects, learn creative ways to reduce waste, and contribute to recycling initiatives. Throughout the day, educational experiences will highlight the connection between animals and environmental challenges, offering opportunities to learn how small actions can make a big difference. senecaparkzoo.org
April 19, 2025, 8 a.m.–Noon: High Acres Nature Area with the Rochester Birding Association. Over 130 species of birds have been spotted at HANA, and more than 70 of them nest in diverse habitats. On this field trip, you can expect to see at least 40 species returning to nest or on their way to northern nesting grounds. The walk will cover approximately two miles over mostly flat trails and explore nearly 250 acres at HANA, including wet areas that require waterproof shoes or ankle-high boots. Please note that there are no restrooms available at this site. Please meet at the parking lot on Perinton Parkway, approximately a quarter mile east of the WM offices. To learn more, please visit rochesterbirding.org.
April 19, 2025, 9 a.m.–Noon: Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Eagle Watch. Join the Eagle Watch program and learn about and observe the majestic eagles in the wildlife refuge. Led by our knowledgeable guides, you will witness eagles in action through provided scopes and binoculars while learning about their biology, conservation, and history. We will meet at the Cayuga Overlook off Route 77, and no registration is required. Find more information at facebook.com.
April 22, 2025, 11 a.m.: An Earth Day Tour of Rochester’s Highland Park. Highland Park is a Rochester treasure. It is a world-class arboretum and part of only four city-wide park systems designed by Olmsted. eventbrite.com
Get involved with the Rochester Olmsted Parks Alliance
Flower and Tree Planting Events
Participating in flower- and tree-planting initiatives can significantly improve our air quality and promote biodiversity.
April 26, 2025, 9–11 a.m.: TrailKeepers: Tree Planting at Macyville Woods Nature Preserve. Join Genesee Land Trust for a Saturday morning event at Macyville Woods in Sodus Point. We will be planting around 300 trees on the property. All ages and ability levels are welcome to sign up; everyone will have a designated role. geneseelandtrust.org
April 26, 2025, 9–11 a.m.: Earth Day Tree Potting. Join the Friends of Webster Trails and ReTree to pot bare-root native tree and shrub seedlings and add them to our open spaces. The seedlings will remain in our plant nursery until they are large enough to be planted in our open spaces, providing habitat, cleaner air, and cooling the planet. This is a family-friendly event. Register and find more information at webstertrails.org.
April 27, 2025, 11 a.m.–Noon and 2 p.m.: The Daffodil Project at Mount Hope Cemetery. Enjoy an hour-long lunchtime presentation and tour from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; please bring your own lunch. Then, at 2 p.m., the Daffodil Days Celebration begins with a bagpipe procession that leads from the kettle to the Firemen’s Monument. facebook.com
Explore More
H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources
Rochesterians are fortunate to be surrounded by abundant freshwater resources that present us with unique stewardship opportunities.
Farms & Farmers’ Markets: Your Guide to Locally Grown Produce
Exploring local markets and roadside produce stands is a great way to immerse yourself in the community and support family farms.
Land That I Love: Your Guide to Roaming the Earth Around Rochester
Enjoy the beauty and wonders of the world by making the most of the varied memorable experiences offered by our parks, gardens, and farms.
Paddle, Pedal, and Trek Along Rochester’s Waterways
With parks, preserved wetlands, historic neighborhoods, and miles of trails, Rochester has no shortage of adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
Guided Walks and Tours Around Rochester, NY
Local experts who highlight the rich history, geology, ecology, and community of the greater Rochester region lead these guided walks.
The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Visit, yes. Settle, not yet. Like it or not, for the moment the Earth is where we make our stand…To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.
Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot, 1994
How do you make Earth Day every day?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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