Earth Month Activities on the Kitsap Peninsula
Even though I believe in doing everything possible every day to preserve and protect the natural world, I love that Earth Day exists. It’s an excuse for us to do all kinds of good things in our own backyards and out in the world. The events have stretched to fill an entire month…maybe some day we’ll have Earth Year, eh? I’ve listed some Earth Month activities on the Kitsap Peninsula below.
According to the Earth Day Network, “Over a billion people in 190 countries take action for Earth Day.” A billion people! What else do a billion people get out and do together? To learn more about Earth Day, visit EarthDayNetwork.org.
I find inspiration in the fact that 44 years ago one guy, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, wanted to “force environmental protection onto the national political agenda,” and now there are a billion people involved. This reminds me that one person, one idea, really can make a difference.
There are always so many things happening around Earth Day that I have a hard time deciding what to do!
One annual thing I do is an all-ages fundraising Wildlife Kayak Tour in Poulsbo that raises money for the Poulsbo Marine Science Center. It also raises awareness of the wildlife right here in our own back yard, downstream from all of us. I have spots available – if you’re interested see details at the bottom of this post.
Here are some Earth Month activities on the Kitsap Peninsula. If you know of other opportunities please add them in the comments section.
All Month: Silverdale’s Seaport Salon and Day Spa is fundraising for Puget Sound Keeper Alliance, a local grassroots organization that patrols local waterways and enforces the Clean Water Act. Every penny they raise goes to the Alliance (Check out this cool video about the Alliance and Puget Sound).
April 12 Bainbridge Farmer’s Market grand opening! Saturdays 9-1:00. 280 Madison Avenue North (next to Town Hall).
April 12 Native Plant Sale on Bainbridge Island. Hosted by the Bainbridge Island Land Trust. Get plants that are meant to grow in this area – they often require less work and water, and they support the native wildlife! Click here to learn more.
April 12 Walk Your Watershed. Three mile walk in Poulsbo where guides will share about salmon habitat, rain gardens, sea birds, native/non-native plants and aquatic life. Learn more and register through the EarthRightInsight.org.
April 18 Composting Basics Class: 1-2:00 at the Bainbridge Island Public Library. Free!
April 19 Bainbridge Farmer’s Market Earth Day Special. Groups will be on hand to share information: Sustainable Bainbridge, Zero Waste, Weed Warriors, Bainbridge Island Land Trust, City of Bainbridge Island, Sierra Club, Acupuncture & Wellness Center, Bainbridge Community Broadcasting, Squeaky Wheels, and more, with music by Time and Tide.
April 19 Earth Month Comedy Night at the Cloverleaf in Bremerton. All proceeds go to Puget Sound Keeper Alliance. For tickets: $20 pre-purchased at Seaport Salon and Spa or $25 at the door, or call 360-698-0781 for tickets and info.
April 22 State
Parks Free Day – no Discover
Pass required! Get out and play on Earth Day!
April 24 Clear Creek Trail Clearing: whack back blackberries with Central Kitsap High School students. About 12 adult supervisors are needed. Lunch is provided by Taco Bell.
April 25 Earth Day Green Drinks at Bainbridge Public Library. Meet other like-minded people over local wine and locally made, free snacks.
April 26 Weed Warriors Earth Day Event at Pritchard Park. 10:00 – 2:00. Clear ivy and other invasive plants. Optional fun: bring a t-shirt you no longer care to wear and sort through the pile for one you would like to take home. For info: Jeannette Franks at 206-755-8461 or jfranks1@comcast.net.
April 26 Call to the Wild Auction and Gala Fundraiser for the West Sound Wildlife Shelter. 5-9:30 at Kiana Lodge. $125/person. Preregistration required.
April 26 Wildlife Kayak Tour FUNdraiser for the Poulsbo Marine Science Center. 9-12:00. Great for all ages, all experience levels, locals and visitors. Bring your own kayak or rent one. Lead by me, Spring Courtright, a naturalist guide and kayak instructor. $55/adults, $35 for youth 4-17, free for youth ages 0-3 (in parents laps). No kayaking experience needed! Click here to learn more and register.
I love this tour! It includes:
- Hands-on tour of the Poulsbo Marine Science Center with their Director (pet sea cucumbers!)
- Kayak lesson (or refresher)
- Tour Liberty Bay with me – see my favorite wildlife viewing spots by kayak
- Paddle with Harbor Seals and other wildlife
- Locally smoked salmon snack
- Stable double kayaks and all paddling equipment (single kayaks available by request)
April 27 Island Horticultural Services Free Workshop: Solving Landscape Problems with Native Plants. Learn about overly-aggressive non-natives to avoid and native alternatives to solve site-specific problems . Includes a tour of an ongoing sustainable landscape renovation. 1-4:00. For more information and reservations: bi.horticulture@gmail.com / 360-779-5002.
See more Earth Month activities on the Sustainable Bainbridge website.
Today I think I’ll celebrate Earth Month by getting out and planting my baby plants…
What will you do to celebrate Earth Day?
Thank you Roger Van Gelder for the beautiful Harbor Seal and kayaking photos!
