Earth Day is a reminder to reflect on the beauty of the environment and contribute to the preservation of our precious planet. This year’s Earth Day theme in Hudson County is “Protecting our Wildlife” because unsustainable practices threaten the existence of so many species every day. We all have a responsibility to live a sustainable lifestyle and safeguard the health and future of our planet. Now more than ever, our furry and feathered friends need us to take collective action to champion environmental protection initiatives.
In this spirit, get ready for not one but TWO unforgettable Earth Day celebrations right here in Hudson County! The HCIA’s first Earth Day extravaganza kicks off on Saturday, April 13th, at the scenic James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park in North Bergen. The excitement continues the following Saturday, April 20th, at the iconic Lincoln Park in Jersey City. Both events, packed with fun and learning, will run from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The celebrations are a blend of eco-education and fun! Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about sustainability practices and HCIA’s initiatives for a greener tomorrow. But wait, there’s more! Enjoy a petting zoo, strike a pose in the photo booth and hop on the family train! And did we mention live music, kid’s activities, vendors and giveaways? The HCIA’s Earth Day Fair has it all, and the best part is it is FREE!
A highlight of the Earth Day celebration in Jersey City is the recognition of the talented winners from Hudson County’s 2024 Protect our Wildlife poster contest. These young artists will receive awards for their creativity and the opportunity to showcase their artwork. The winning posters, centered around the theme “Why is it important to protect our wildlife?”, will be displayed not only at the event but also at Liberty Science Center and Jersey City’s Newport Center Mall later in the Spring, offering visibility and amplification to these students’ impactful messages.
Join us for our Earth Day festivities and enjoy a great day outdoors in Hudson County!
Earth Day- From Then Til Now
Earth Day was started by United States Senator Gaylord Wilson from Wisconsin. In 1969, Senator Wilson witnessed the effects of a massive oil spill along the California coastline, which motivated him to establish the first Earth Day to bring attention to the need to protect the environment. On April 22, 1970, over “20 million Americans took to streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies.”
Motivated by the outpouring of support for the first Earth Day, Congress enacted legislation to establish the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the enactment of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.
By 1990, Earth Day went global, mobilizing over 200 million people across 141 countries to raise issues of concern with regards to the environment. 192 countries currently celebrate Earth Day through the support of the Earth Day Network. Celebrations vary across the globe and include environmental cleanups, tree plantings, peaceful protests, educational events and fairs. However, they are all organized with the goal of increasing public awareness of sustainable practices to help protect the Earth’s natural environment.
Come and join the HCIA on April 13th in North Bergen and April 20th in Jersey City to celebrate Earth Day!
