Earth Day is Monday, April 22, and this year's theme is "Planet vs. Plastics." If you’re looking for ways to volunteer or celebrate around campus, check out these activities below.
 

Attend a sustainable clothing swap

Join UD’s Climate Change Hub, the Sustainability Council and the Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) on Friday, April 19 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on the North Green for their Earth Day Celebration. There will be a sustainable fashion clothing swap, involvement fair, raffle, music and more. Visit a fair table to receive a ticket for free UDairy ice cream.
 

Learn more about your local parks

This month, Delaware State Parks is hosting a slew of educational events and hikes to teach about native trees, how waterways like White Clay Creek are monitored and how Colonial Americans learned to reduce, reuse and recycle. Most of these programs are free and happening close to campus.

Remove invasive plants and weeds

Join the City of Newark’s Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, April 27 for the first Earth Day Weed War. Join volunteer naturalists from the Conservation Advisory Committee of Newark to remove non-native invasive plants from park land.
 

Don't miss Ag Day

On Saturday, April 27, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is hosting their annual Ag Day. This year's theme is "From the Ground Up," and will feature more than 50 different educational and interactive exhibits from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See some of the UD farm animals, purchase plants and enjoy a variety of food options, including UDairy. 

Take a hike

Head to White Clay Creek State Park for a relaxing stroll and meditative hike. Looking for a change of scenery? Head a little further north to Wilmington for a 90-minute to two-hour hike in Brandywine State Park and explore the­­­ biodiversity of Rocky Run. Bring your hiking boots or sneakers—this hike will take you across the stream and over rocky terrain.

Visit the First State National Historical Park

As you likely already know, Delaware is famous for being the first state to ratify the Constitution. But did you know that the First State National Historical Park comprises of SEVEN locations? The seven spots are Woodlawn Tract at Beaver Valley, Fort Christina, John Dickinson Plantation, New Castle Court House Museum, Old Swedes Historic Site, Ryves Holt House and The Green in Dover. (The closest to campus is Old Swedes Historic Site in Wilmington, only a 22-minute drive away.)
 

Go green and join an RSO

If you want to make an impact that lasts longer than Earth Day, check out some environmental RSOs. The Earth, Ocean and Environment Club at UD plans events like campus cleanups and hosts monthly meetings for new members. Students for the Environment is another group that educates the campus community about protecting the natural world and promoting awareness of sustainable practices. Additionally, GIVE Volunteers is a community service-based RSO that partners with organizations like Delaware State Parks, Urban Promise and more for volunteering opportunities.
 

Become a plant parent

Plant a small garden of your own or take care of a new plant. Pothos, snake plants, aloe vera and jade are all great plants for beginners and easy to keep alive, even in a dorm room. You can also snag a free succulent at the Destress Fest on Friday, May 17 out on South Green.

Change up your routine

Start with the small stuff. Making changes to your routine, even for just the weekend, can make an impact. If you normally drive, take a walk or ride your bike. Ditch plastic water bottles and find a new favorite reusable tumbler. Compost your food waste. Organize a group to clean up trash on campus. There are plenty of things you can do while at UD to make a difference and help protect the planet.