The theme for Earth Day 2023 is “Invest in Our Planet.” To celebrate Earth Day 2023, Alachua County, The City of Gainesville, UF, Santa Fe College, and other organizations have planned a wide variety of events for citizens to enjoy. Alachua County will have another press release next week, including events starting after April 21. Here is a list of some of the activities taking place between April 13 and April 20:
Alachua County Events
Spring Clean Out - Community Reuse and Recycle Day - April 15, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Santa Fe College N.W. Campus (3000 N.W. 83 St, Gainesville), Construction Institute Parking Lot 9 on North Road. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo and the Alachua County Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Department invite residents to take advantage of this free spring-cleaning donation and Hazardous Waste recycling event. A variety of non-profit organizations will be there to receive clothing in wearable condition, non-perishable food, usable housewares, school/office/art supplies, and household hazardous waste such as paint, chemicals, old electronics, etc., for recycling or proper disposal. In honor of Earth Day and in conjunction with the zoo’s Party for the Planet Weekend, donors will receive a discount voucher for zoo admission.
Santa Fe College Event
Party for the Planet - April 15 and 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo (3000 N.W. 83 St Building Z, Gainesville). Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for children three and under. This family-friendly event will allow participants to explore the zoo and participate in games, crafts, training demonstrations, keeper talks, animal encounters, and more. Attendees learn to build like a beach mouse, save a sea turtle, make a backyard habitat, and spring into action to save species. Explore the kids’ sensory play space, join a special presentation, listen to live music, or grab some grub from a food truck.
Miscellaneous Events
Gardening and Crafts to celebrate our planet - Alachua County Library District, Headquarters Library (401 E. University Ave, Gainesville), April 13 and April 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants make crafts and plant seeds to celebrate Earth Day and National Gardening Month. They will paint garden stones and make bird feeders on April 13. They will make Earth keepsakes to celebrate Earth Day on April 20. No registration is required, but supplies are limited. This activity is for kids ages 5 to 11 years old.
The State of Water Juried Art Exhibit - April 13 through April 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention (811 S. Main St, Gainesville). Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 5 to 17. Admission is free for children four and under. Admission is free for those participating in the Water State Festival at Depot Park on April 15. The art show benefits local environmental non-profits and showcases works of art by local artists. This exhibition explores our intrinsic ties to water in its various states. It celebrates the water surrounding us in the Florida landscape, flowing under our feet in the aquifer, as well as the water which nourishes, connects, and inspires us.
The Water State Festival - April 15, from noon to 6 p.m. at Depot Park (874 S.E. 4th Street, Gainesville). The Water State Festival is a celebration of Florida waters. The festival is part of a campaign to raise public awareness of the state’s natural resources. Participants enjoy a day of water-themed science, crafts, art vendors, environmental non-profits, live mermaids, adventure outfitters, and entertainment. Cade Museum admission is free during this festival. Proceeds of the festival and art show benefit the Florida Springs Institute and Current Problems, Inc.
For more information, contact Erika Capin with the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department at 352-264-6800.
