Global Earth Day has local impact

Around the world, April 22 marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement that began in 1970.
This year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet” and now includes 1 billion people in 193 countries.
According to earthday.org, Earth Day 2023, which this year has grown into Earth Week, focuses on:
• Climate literacy
• End single-use plastics
• Vote to protect the environment
• Global cleanup
• Planting trees
• Sustainable fashion
Numerous efforts are planned locally for Earth Day including:

Avondale Estates
A full day of diverse efforts and activities are planned at Avondale Estates Town Green on April 22 starting with electronics recycling for city residents at 9 a.m. whichtakes place on Lake Street. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., self-guided tours of 12 eco-gardens are scheduled. A sustainability fair runs from 2 to 5 p.m. followed by an Earth Day concert featuring Packway Handle Band and Blue Gravy along with food and beverage vendors from 5 to 8 p.m. The town green is located at 64 N. Avondale Road.

Stone Mountain
An Earth Day themed Punch and Paint is scheduled at the Stone Mountain Sue Kellogg Library, 952 Leon St. from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on April 22.

Brookhaven
Murphey Candler Park Earth Day Celebration takes place “all day” April 21 at the “County Corner” greenspace in the southeast corner of the park at W. Nancy Creek and Candler Lake E. Food trucks, music, petting zoo, face-painting, beer/wine and more are expected to be park of the celebration.
This community event is designed to raise awareness for on-going park conservation efforts, volunteer opportunities, Brookhaven Park’s Bond initiative and Brookhaven Public Work’s Watershed Study improvements, according to the Murphey Candler Neighborhood Associaton’s website.
Local conservation groups will be on-hand to show and explain their environmental goals, projects and educational programs: Trees Atlanta, Chattahoochee Riverkeepers, Metro Atlanta Beekeepers, Atlanta Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, National Parks Service, The Amphibian Foundation, GA Native Plant Society, Brookhaven Tree Conservancy, Brookhaven Bike Alliance and more.
Local sports leagues and Scout Troops will provide updates on their meetings, leagues, camps, upcoming seasons and registration.

Doraville
Restoration of the streambank at Bernard Halpern Park is the focus of an Earth Day event taking place there from 8 a.m. to noon April 22.
“Streams have a crucial role in supporting life in their ecosystems,” states a description of the event “Unfortunately, they often fall victim to erosion, invasive plant species, and pollution.”
Removal of invasive plant species from the area and replacement with native shrubs and flowers will help prevent erosion, fortify the ecosystem, and create a pollution filter, the notice states. For more information contact (678) 801-0124 or aazia.taylor@doravillega.us

Atlanta
East Atlanta Village Farmers Market is the site of Earth Day Fest noon to 6 p.m. April 22. The event is expected to feature more than 20 vendors, a live disc jockey, free yoga, planting station, recycled crafts, handmade and natural goods. The market is located at 572 Stokeswood Ave.

Chamblee
An Earth Day Litter Clean Up is planned for Dresden Park, Keswick Park and Rail Trail, and Huntley Hills Park from 9 to 11 a.m. April 22. Trash bags and gloves will be provided.
Sign-up at https://signup.com/go/eGvKZRY.

Stonecrest
An Earth Day Cleanup at Panola Shoals is planned from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 22.
Community members are invited to join South River Watershed Alliance in partnership with the city of Stonecrest for a beach cleanup at Panola Shoals. Meet at the Panola Shoals Trailhead South River Trail.