The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, and by December of the same year, the movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. The work has contributed significant changes in our environmental history such as the Clean Air Act, lead-based paint restrictions, banning dangerous chemical pesticides, the Clean Water Act, the Energy Star Program, and many more milestones in more than 50 years. The Spokane community shows up big for Earth Day and this year is no exception with events planned throughout the month of April to celebrate our planet and share resources and programs of how you can help our environment stay healthy for generations to come. We hope you’ll join us!
Visit the Spokane River Forum website for additional organized events.
Come learn from the experts about how to find the perfect plants and trees for your garden while supporting local ecosystems with native species that thrive in Spokane’s climate. Master Gardener Kris Moberg-Hendron and Landscape Architect Cathy Spokas will lead this Water Wise Wednesday Workshop to help guide you in choosing the right plants for your project. No registration required!
Date: Wednesday, April 2
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location:
South Hill Library
3324 S. Perry St.
Cost: FREE
Save water and grow healthier plants! This session is a crash course in irrigation basics and using drip irrigation systems efficiently. Whether you’re new to gardening or upgrading your setup, you’ll leave with practical knowledge to get started. Will Rettig will lead this Water Wise Wednesday Workshop to help guide you in the specifics of drip irrigation. No registration required!
Date: Wednesday, April 9
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location:
South Hill Library
3324 S. Perry St.
Cost: FREE
Looking for environmentally friendly ways to assuage pests in your garden? Come learn about sustainable methods to keep your plants healthy and thriving. Discover how to protect your garden without harming beneficial insects or the environment. Master Gardener Kris Moberg-Hendron will lead this Water Wise Wednesday Workshop to help guide you in the specifics of environmentally friendly pest management. No registration required!
Date: Wednesday, April 16
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location:
South Hill Library
3324 S. Perry St.
Cost: FREE
Friends of Palisades Park are hosting their spring cleanup event on April 19. Pastries and coffee will be provided. Meet in the lot at the corner of Greenwood and Basalt at 8:30 a.m. Wear protective clothing (boots/gloves/long pants) and bring grabbers if you have them.
Date: Saturday, April 19
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Palisades Park, in the lot at the corner of Greenwood and Basalt
Cost: FREE
Join us for a family-friendly river cleanup on April 19th, 2025! Cleaning up the banks and bottom of the Spokane River is a great way to volunteer, get some exercise, and meet new friends. It also helps our river!
Each year for Earth Day we remove about 9,000 pounds of trash from High Bridge and People’s Park. This trash that otherwise could end up in our river, damaging fish and wildlife, breaking down into microplastic, and is just plain ugly!
We will kick off at 10 a.m. and be in the park until about 1 p.m. – feel free to come and go as you like! Bags, gloves, and a limited number of pickers will be provided. Once you have your supplies, you can choose where you’d like to clean up throughout the area.
PNW Espressgo will be on site as well as a TBD food truck. We will have a variety of partner organizations there tabling so stick around after cleaning up for some lunch, learning, and engaging activities.
Date: Saturday, April 19
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location:
High Bridge Park
212 S. A St., Spokane, WA 99224
Cost: FREE
You are invited to the City of Spokane Earth Day Community Workshop to learn more about ongoing Climate Planning efforts and provide input on future actions. The changing climate and extreme weather events affect everyone, regardless of age, background, or income. By proactively addressing climate impacts, we can protect our community, preserve our environment, and promote our collective wellbeing.
This workshop provides an in-person opportunity for community members to learn about and engage in the development of City of Spokane’s Climate Element as part of the PlanSpokane 2046 update to the Comprehensive Plan. Participants will share their ideas for how the City can build resilience to climate impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
With your help, we can plan for a more resilient and thriving Spokane. Event is family friendly with kids’ activities. Food will be provided. No RSVP required and drop-ins welcome! Learn more at PlanSpokane.org or our Climate Planning page.
Date: Tuesday, April 22
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Location:
West Central Community Center, The Newton Room
1603 N. Belt Street
Cost: FREE
Support pollinators and other wildlife with gardening tips for attracting bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and beetles to your landscape. Learn how to create a biodiverse space that helps these essential species thrive while enriching your garden. Bird expert and enthusiast David Gross will lead this Water Wise Wednesday Workshop to help guide you in the specifics of gardening for the benefit of our critter friends. No registration required!
Date: Wednesday, April 23
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location:
South Hill Library
3324 S. Perry St.
Cost: FREE
Spokane’s Arbor Day celebration will be held at Finch Arboretum on Saturday, April 26 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., rain or shine. A ceremony commemorating Spokane’s 22nd year as a Tree City USA will take place at noon, followed by a ceremonial tree planning and demonstration.
Highlights:
Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Finch Arboretum
Cost: FREE
Join the Spokane Public Library and local environmental organizations to celebrate planet Earth. Kids and their families will be able to learn more about our home with hands-on activities from groups representing our water, food, environmental quality, and much more.
Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Location: Central Library
Cost: FREE
Learn how to forage in your backyard for edible weeds and get tips on how to prepare them! You may end up with a new appreciation for the plants that were previously a nuisance. Community Educator and library rockstar Juan Moses will lead this Water Wise Wednesday Workshop to help guide you in the specifics of utilizing common weeds for healthy and free snacks. No registration required!
Date: Wednesday, April 30
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location:
South Hill Library
3324 S. Perry St.
Cost: FREE
Every day can be Earth Day! It's the smallest things that can add up to big change. Water your landscaping every other day and not in the middle of the day. Put those food scraps in the green compost cart instead of the brown garbage cart, and join an organized cleanup event to keep the Spokane River healthy! We invite you to learn about the resources and community engagement opportunities right here!
Curious about our world and the different topics that make up our environment? Check out Spokane Public Library's recommended reads for Earth Month!
There are lots of ways to engage with environmental stewardship and sustainability. Learn about some of our local programs and stay engaged year-round!
Are you passionate about waste reduction and creating a sustainable future? The Spokane County Regional Waste Ambassador program empowers community members to make a difference through improved practices, ongoing education, innovation, and volunteerism.
This program takes a broad approach to waste reduction, delving into topics like food waste, composting, litter, textile waste, and the climate impacts of materials management. You’ll also gain insight into our local waste systems and how to drive meaningful change.
How to Get Started: Register for a one-time orientation and begin your journey to improving the health and well-being of people and the planet.
Program Commitments:
Be a part of the solution – join us in making our community a cleaner, greener place to live!
Learn more about how waste is managed.
Reduce the amount of waste you produce.
Reduce waste through recycling.
Reduce waste through composting.
Provide recycling containers at your next event.
Encourage waste reduction in your community.
Reduce residential and commercial water use.
Participate in residential, commercial, and multi-family rebate programs.
Buy water efficient fixtures and appliances.
Reduce the amount of food waste that goes down the drain.
Use energy efficient appliances and devices
Improve energy efficiency with home upgrades.
Find out where energy is being used in your home.
Follow energy-saving tips.
Sign your business up for energy-saving programs, services, and rebates.
Participate in residential rebate programs.
Reduce your Vehicle Miles Traveled by taking the bus.
Reduce your Vehicle Miles Traveled by taking a rideshare.
Reduce your Vehicle Miles Traveled by using a Park & Ride.
Reduce your Vehicle Miles Traveled by using a shuttle.
Reduce your Vehicle Miles Traveled by riding your bike.
Reduce your Vehicle Miles Traveled by using WheelShare.
Work from home if you are able or encourage telework options for your employees.
Participate in your employer’s Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program.
Take advantage of personal electric vehicle programs and incentives.
Sign your business up for electric vehicle programs and incentives.
Encourage electric transportation in your community.
Learn more about refrigerant contributions to whole-life carbon emissions of buildings.
Transition to low-GWP refrigerants.
Prevent refrigerant leaks through regular maintenance.
