Earth Day was established 49 years ago on April 22, 1970.  Today, nearly five decades later, in Birmingham, we do not only commemorate Earth Day, but the entire month of April as Earth Month.

Here are 11 ways you can celebrate.

UAB Sustainability – April

UAB Sustainability will be hosting environmental events all month including lectures by Robert Bullard, the Father of Environmental Justice on April 2nd and Dr. Tyrone Hayes – “From Silent Spring to Silent Night: A Tale of Toads and Men” on April 9th.  Check out the entire calendar – HERE.

Native Plant Sales – Ruffner Mountain and Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Both Ruffner Mountain and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are holding epic native plant sales in Birmingham during April.  Each sale supports the conservation and education efforts of these beloved organizations.

Here are the dates:

Ruffner Mountain Native Plant Sale – April 6-7
Birmingham Botanical Gardens – April 12-14

Rivers of Alabama Day – April 9

Lend your voice on April 9th in Montgomery at Alabama Rivers Day organized by the Alabama Rivers Alliance. Back in 2007, the Alabama Legislature declared that every 2nd Tuesday in April is Alabama Rivers Day. Be a part of the celebration and remind our public officials about the importance of clean water. Call the Alabama Rivers Alliance at 205-322-6395 for details.

Outdoor Alabama Experience: Connecting Families to the Outdoors at Oak Mountain State Park – April 12-14

Just in time for Earth Month,  the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and State Parks Divisions of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is hosting a three day workshop featuring hands-on learning about camping, hiking, biking, wildlife watching, shooting sports, fishing, hunting, kayaking, and more!  Get all the details – HERE

Darter Festival – April 14

Join the Southern Environmental Center for 8th annual Darter Festival on Sunday, April 14, 2019 from 12 noon to 5 pm at Cahaba Brewing Company! The festival supports Southern Environmental Center’s conservation projects and environmental education programs at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, home to unique and federally protected populations of Vermilion, Watercress and Rush Darter Fishes.

The Vermilion and Watercress are two of the rarest fishes on planet earth. Support the fish and the SEC.

Coosa Riverkeeper  Flyfishing Film Tour – April 18

Hosted by the Coosa Riverkeeper, the Flyfishing Film Tour will be held on April 18, 6:00-9:00 (Doors open at 4:00) at the Avondale Brewery.The original and preeminent exhibition of fly fishing cinema, the Fly Fishing Film Tour is packed with remarkable films and topnotch stories. Bring some extra $$$ for the raffle which will feature items from Yeti, Costa, Patagonia and MORE!

Earth Day at The Gardens – April 20

For 22 years, Birmingham’s largest Earth Day event has been celebrated at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.  On Saturday, April 20, nature advocates throughout the region for this free, fun-filled day-long event. For details and info on how you can participate, visit https://www.bbgardens.org/earth-day.php

Household Hazardous Waste Day – April 20

Residents of the City of Bessemer and Unincorporated Jefferson County may bring certain Household Hazardous Waste items for FREE disposal on Saturday, April 20, 8:00am to 11:00am, at 1205 15th Ave N, Bessemer, AL 35020-4621. Check out which items they will take here below:

Earthbound’s Earthfest, benefitting the Black Warrior Riverkeeper – April 20

Join the Black Warrior Riverkeeper at Avondale Brewery for their Earthbound Earthfest event.  From 2:00PM till sunset, be a part of this annual Earth Day celebration that benefits the Black Warrior Riverkeeper. Suggested donation is $5.

Green Tie Affair – April 25

Who is older than Earth Day?  The Alabama Environmental Council. One of the biggest environmental parties of the year will be the 23rd Annual Green Tie Affair, April 25, 2019, 7PM -11PM at Sloss Furnaces.

There will be have an exciting live & silent auction, delicious food & beverages, super fun photo booth provided by Blythe Events and live music with two feature bands: Taylor Hunnicutt and Soul Of ’46 . Tickets are $50.

Birmingham Audubon Spring Bird Count – April 27

Be part of the 55th Annual Birmingham Audubon Spring Bird Count on Saturday, April 27. Birders of all ages (and folks who want to learn) can join one of the largest and longest running citizen scientific surveys in Alabama.

Learn the details – HERE.

As always, there are always some events we may have missed.  Did we forget one? Let us know by sending Bham Now an email at hello@bhamnow.com .