City Of Clearwater Celebrates Earth Day With Sustainable Events

CLEARWATER, FL — The city of Clearwater Parks & Recreation volunteer program is gearing up to celebrate Earth Day 2021.

This year marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, which takes place on April 22. However, with the help of volunteers, participates in activities to keep the environment healthy year-round.

This year the city's volunteer program is teaming up with community members and organizations to host activities around the city including invasive plant removal, park plantings and litter pickups.

"Our volunteers are greatly appreciated for all of the time and help that they contribute to beautifying our community and ensuring that it remains bright and beautiful all year long," said volunteer and environmental lands manager Alyssa Gaudreault. "We are able to fulfill our mission because of them."

In addition, the parks & recreation volunteer program in partnership with the sustainability, neighborhoods and solid waste departments, will host Earth Day Invades Moccasin Lake Nature Park Invasive Plant Scavenger Hunt, a family-friendly event April 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants will stroll around the park and try to identify different invasive species before checking their answers at the end of their journey.

Florida is one of the top states threatened by invasive plant species due to the region’s abundance of water and sunlight. These invasive plants frequently look pretty but cause harm to native species and natural ecosystems. Learning how to identify invasive species will help Clearwater residents learn what species they should avoid planting and what plants they should remove from their property to protect Florida’s native species.

Additional information about environmental city services, such as recycling and neighborhoods programs, will be available at the event as well. Participation is limited to 15 people per hour to allow proper social distancing. Registrants should sign up for a time slot. When registering, including all participating family members.

Participants are asked to wear masks when 6-foot social distancing cannot be maintained. Also bring water and comfortable shoes. Register here.

Other Earth Day activities include:

• April 17 - Earth Day Celebration Native Planting
• April 21 - United Way Day of Caring at Moccasin Lake Nature Park - invasive species removal
• April 22 - Earth Day Bay Park Cleanup
• April 22 - Earth Day State Street Park Cleanup
• April 24 - North Beach Cleanup for Global Youth Service Day
• April 24 - Invasive species removal at Moccasin Lake Nature Park
• April 24 - Glen Oaks Cleanup with Tampa Bay Watch
• April 24 - Crest Lake Park Cleanup

To register, click here.