Born out of a movement to build awareness of pollution, Earth Day is a day to act for the environment. From its origin in 1970, it has grown into modern environmentalism today, bringing together over 1 billion people each year to work for the home we all share.
Supporting the Earth at Your Home
At Conservation Minnesota, we value Earth Day as a time to celebrate what makes Minnesota unique and as an opportunity to protect it for future generations. Here are a few suggestions for championing the environment for Earth Day in your backyard this Friday, April 22 and beyond.
Bee-Friendly to Pollinators in Your Garden
This spring, don’t dig into your garden too soon. Warmer days may tempt you to start turning over the garden and planters, but pollinator experts say to wait. Disturbing the soil layers of your garden may expose bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that overwinter in stalks or leaf litter.
Learn from Keely Cervantes, our Food & Agriculture Program Manager, about the right time to start spring cleaning in your garden.
Adopt a Storm Drain
Take action to protect our water by adopting a local storm drain. Keep drains clear and raked to stop debris and garbage from washing into waterways. It will make a difference in water quality in your community, and it's a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the beautiful spring weather.
Learn more about how to adopt a drain.
Do Less: No Mow May
Re-think the traditional clean-cut lawn this spring, and allow your grass to grow. Pollinators like bees can’t survive without food early in the season. Dandelions and other flowering plants (that some might think of as “weeds”) in your lawn will keep them going until other food sources are more plentiful. Give your mower a rest until June.
Learn more about No Mow May.
Start a Compost Pile for Your Garden
Give your garden a boost by starting a compost pile this spring. Support your plants’ health while reducing waste that ends up in a landfill.
Composting might seem intimidating, but it really can be simple. Learn how to start your compost setup.
Collect Trash in Your Neighborhood or Local Park
Protecting the environment can be as simple as taking a few minutes to collect garbage around the sidewalk or at a nearby park. Easy to do alone or with friends, picking up trash and recyclables around the neighborhood helps keep wildlife habitats free from contamination and benefits water quality.
Here are some tips on how to start your own clean-up.