Celebrate 50 Years of Earth Day Virtually

There’s never been a time when so many of us have wanted to run into the sheltering arms of Mother Nature, but being stuck at home means there are fewer opportunities to visit her majestic hills, to see her birds soaring on a crisp breeze, braiding patterns between tall trees. Yet, we can still celebrate her big day.

The 50th year we’ve dedicated to remembering the environment and all things nature, Earth Day is being celebrated in a different way all month long. Most of us can’t or don’t want to leave home, but we can still plant a garden or a tree in our front or backyard. Every little bit counts.

Make The World A Better Place

Fifty years ago, 20 million Americans (10 percent of the population) attended the first Earth Day rallies. Denis Hays gets the credit for putting together the first Earth Day and, today, there are global movements of young people mobilizing to protect the planet. Even though we’re stuck at home, we too can make the world a better and cleaner place, even after April 22. Earth Day activists are still planning a star-studded digital rally and you can watch. You can sign up to receive emails to participate in 24 hours of action and continue the fight for environmental responsibility into the future.

Flower Power Festivals

Just because we can’t gather in groups large enough to qualify as a festival, doesn’t mean we can’t sing, dance and celebrate from our living room. The National Cherry Blossom Festival offers all of those things and more. Spend your afternoon with the kids admiring these seasonal blooms and sway to the music created by other admirers of these fancy little flowers.

Draw A Zoo Animal

The Los Angeles Zoo is offering free drawing classes to honor the animals of the world, rescued and wild. For four consecutive Saturdays, until May 9, artist Brian Kesinger goes live on the L.A. Zoo Facebook page to take kids (and their families) through a step-by-step drawing of some of the animals who live at the zoo. If you miss it, don’t worry, they’re recorded. There are also adult-targeted events where parents can make artisanal paper using recycled supplies and other unusual handicrafts.

Take A Virtual Adventure Into a National Park

You can hike Half Dome in nine exhilarating minutes no matter your fitness level at Yosemite National Park through this virtual guided hike led by Ranger Vickie Mates, who really knows her stuff and will make you either super inspired to get out there when you can or be happy you’re on your cozy couch!

Every Thursday, Austin Adventures is leading kids on virtual wildlife and park tours across the world. Kasey Austin, named top family guide by Outside Magazine, knows her stuff and shares it in an engaging way while leading kids through the wild and introducing them to experts in the outdoor field. The first show took them into Austin Adventure’s backyard, Yellowstone National Park. If your kids get really into Yellowstone, they can do a deep dive into learning more about the eco-system and its animals through the Draper National History Museum in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are lesson plans, videos and activities. If you just can’t get enough of the national parks, take a look at these links to 25 offering virtual tours into their magical realms.

Restore Peace in your Inner World

It’s easier to restore calm and equanimity to the planet when you have your own inner world in order. Meditation is a good way to start. DisclosureFest is an annual mass meditation, yoga and wellness festival, taking it all inside twice a week until May 6. Join them Tuesday and Wednesday for a free, live-streamed guided meditation or sound bath or some type of performance that will serve to unite the Earth in loving spirit and calm your frazzled nerves in the process. Deepak and Oprah also want to help you stay centered and are offering a 21-day free guided meditation. Beginners for both are more than welcome. If you are a person who needs to find your Zen with a little more movement, check out Ally Hamilton’s online classes from her Yogi’s Anonymous studio in Santa Monica. Classes are searchable by length of class, style of yoga and even the body parts that need some extra attention.

No matter how you decide to celebrate the Earth, if your observance is mounted in a place of gratitude, your sweet vibrations will make your Earth Mother happy.