Earth Day 2023

Show your love for planet earth by celebrating with VB Parks & Rec! Stop by Mount Trashmore on April 22 for a fun-filled day full of celebrating the place we all call home, planet Earth! Food trucks will be present, and there will be educational talks, hands-on experiences, and informational displays all centered around the environment.
Then, drive through Larkspur Middle School and drop off your recyclables on April 29 at our Recycle Zone!

Earth Day Celebration Talks

“Let's Talk Trash" by Helen Kuhns

Join LRNow as they shed light on the detrimental effects of single-use plastics on our environment and explore ways to break free from harmful habits. Discover the power of rethinking and adopting eco-friendly practices that protect our waterways. 

We'll also take a moment to appreciate the incredible volunteers who contribute their time and energy to our monthly waterway cleanups, making a significant difference in our community.

"Student Impact on the Community" 
by Chris Freeman

The VBCPS Environmental Studies Program is solving tomorrow’s problems today through science and sustainability. The success of this program is through student empowerment; creating proximity to a rich array of community partnerships; giving students the opportunity to work on regional resilience projects across Hampton Roads. The VBCPS Environmental Studies Program serves as an example of how school systems can utilize partnerships and alternative ideas of a classroom; redefining where and how learning happens.

"You, Me & the Bees"  by Frank Walker

Frank Walker is the President of Norfolk Beekeepers and Vice-President of non-profit Nature Matters, whose mission is to foster understanding and appreciation for the natural world through direct experiences with live animals and the outdoors. He also assisted with the City of Virginia Beach obtaining the Bee City USA Certification.

"Solar 101"  by Benjamin Hoyne

 Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home or small business. 

We will take you through the technology, economics, financing and more. 

History of Earth Day



Earth Day 1970

Earth Day was actually established on April 22, 1970 by Gaylord Nelson, a former U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. Nelson came up with the idea for a national day to focus on the environment after he witnessed the ravages of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, in 1969.

Twenty million Americans — at the time, 10% of the total population of the United States — took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies.









Mount Trashmore: Landfill to Landmark

Hampton Roads celebrated Earth Day for the first time in 1990. We made our own history in the late 60's early 70's when the city converted a 640,000-ton pile of garbage into the nation's first landfill park. 

An environmental wonder, Mount Trashmore Park also features many other eco-friendly amenities. Watch this video to learn how the famous landmark came to be.





In-person Events

Earth Day Experience and Celebration |  April 22
11 am - 3 pm on April 22 | Mount Trashmore Park Special Event Area

Show your love for planet earth by celebrating with VB Parks & Rec! Stop by Mount Trashmore for a fun-filled day full of exhibitors and vendors. Food trucks will be present, and there will be educational talks, hands-on experiences, and informational displays all centered around the environment. 



Earth Day Recycling Zone |  April 29
9 am - 1 pm on April 29 |  Larkspur Middle School

Come out to Larkspur Middle School where a recycle zone will be set up for the general public to be able to drop off items to vendors such as hazardous household waste, documents for off-site shredding, and electronics. In partnership with AAA, Car Batteries and Children Automobile Safety Seats will be available for drop off as well. 



Additional Earth Day Resources

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Day One

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Day Two

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Day Three

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Day Four

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Day Five

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Day Six

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Day Seven

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Day Eight

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Virtual Field Trips

 ‭(Hidden)‬ DIY Activities & Crafts

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Eco-learning Resources & Tools

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Recycle Zone

 ‭(Hidden)‬ "Ed" Talks

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Tree & Bike Buddies Dedication