April 22nd is Earth Day. Time for some reminders that we all need to do our part to protect and preserve our environment. Throughout New York State there are events and activities scheduled to reconnect us with the earth, and to remember we all rely on the same planet.

Since 1970 this special day as been earmarked to “diversify, educate, and activate the environmental movement worldwide.” According to the Earth Day Network, they work with over 50,000 partners in more than 190 countries to provide a platform for the environmental movement.

Celebrating Earth Day doesn’t have to be complicated. It can simply be a way of looking at how we can reduce our own garbage and plastic waste. This year’s Earth Day Theme is “End Plastic Pollution.”

Each year my family chooses a favorite trail-head to clean on Earth Day. Sadly, the amount of waste never seems to diminish. The bags we fill are still full of disposable diapers, plastic wrappers, and fast-food containers. My children have always been a bit judgmental while picking up other people’s garbage. My husband and I have to remind them that our own garbage may go into a bin, but it still ends up in a landfill. Someone, somewhere is picking up our garbage. It doesn’t just magically disappear. Making that connection has been a wonderful experience, allowing us to rethink our buying habits, especially of single-use plastics.

There are plenty of organized Earth Day events around the Adirondacks. New York State’s Department of Environment Conservation (DEC) has created a week of activities across the state. From leisurely wooded walks to invasive species removal, there are a variety of ways to get outside and help clean up Mother Earth.

The Adirondack Interpretive Center is kicking off Earth Week on April 15 as part of its spring/winter film series with a showing of “America’s First Forest.” On April 21, reduce waste by learning how to needle felt a wool dryer ball with Ruth Olbert.

The Lake George Land Conservancy is hosting a Maple Sugaring walk/talk to The Pinnacle (registration is required and attendance is limited) on April 22.

In Saranac Lake, more than 20 local organizations will be at the Harrietstown Hall on Sunday, April 22 from 12:30 to 4:30 pm for an afternoon of free activities, lectures, live music, and children’s activities.

This is just a small sampling of activities that aim to help us all refocus on the importance of protecting our environment and rethinking how we use the earth. Enjoy Earth Day!

Photo of child cleaning up McKenzie Mountain trailhead on Earth Day, used with permission of Diane Chase, AdirondackFamilyTime.com