Every year on April 22, Earth Day celebrates the planet and those people who speak up for nature and are striving to make positive changes for our environment. Everyone has a different way of taking care of the planet, here are a few ways to commemorate Earth Day in Surrey in your own way:
Get Outside
Every spring, Surrey’s Environmental Extravaganza brings free environmental programs to the community! From April to June choose from 130 different nature-themed programs & events like nature bingo, becoming a community scientist, learning to fish and guided nature walks at the Surrey Nature Centre. There is even an incredible opportunity to participate in a hummingbird banding exercise.
Go On a Nature Walk
Turn your walks into scientific exploration using a plant identification guide or an app like Seek by iNaturalist. Learn plant names and about the plants, and help the City of Surrey monitor biodiversity in the city by recording your observations. From April 26 to May 29 you can join the City Nature Challenge, a unique global marathon to add as many new observations as possible over four days.
Plant Something
Spring is the perfect time to plant a flower or vegetable garden. Visit one of Surrey’s fabulous garden centres and chat with the experts to determine what will grow best in your space. Consider planting native species which help provide animals and pollinating insects with food and shelter!
Power Down
Turn off the lights, and power down to conserve energy not only on April 22 but any day. Light some candles and plan activities with the lights off. Turn off the laptop and play board games or cards with your family.
Go for a Bike Ride
Park the car and rely on pedal power to explore Surrey’s neighbourhoods. Surrey’s bike trails range from short and leisurely to long and challenging, so whether you’re out for a casual spin or bent on a serious trek, there’s a route to suit your fancy.
Visit a Garden
Did you know that in the thick of Surrey’s beautiful green spaces are beautifully manicured gardens? You can visit the gardens at Bear Creek Park or Fleetwood Gardens anytime, but there are a few gardens that even most locals don’t know about. Darts Hill Garden Park began as an orchard, but over time has truly become a plantsman’s garden, featuring rhododendrons, magnolias, climbing wisterias, and many more mature plants. Another hidden gem in the city is the beautiful woodland gardens at The Glades Gardens in South Surrey. Open to the public for just a few days throughout the year, there are stunning water features, fine heritage trees, and masses of colourful rhododendron blooms.
Go Bird Watching
Surrey is on the South Fraser Bird Trail and is home to several parks that provide year-round birdwatching. There are over 200 unique species of birds to see in Surrey! Make a checklist of common birds to look for or download a birding app like Merlin or BirdNET, grab your binoculars if you have them, and head out on a birdwatching adventure. It’s an ideal way to appreciate Surrey’s winged wildlife in its natural habitat and explore Surrey’s beautiful green spaces. Here’s a little information about where to go and what to look for.
Visit a Forest
No matter where you are in Surrey, you’re never far from an expansive network of green spaces, urban forests, gardens and parks. Although most of Surrey’s forests are second-growth, you can still find some impressive giants if you know where to look! Green Timbers Urban Forest Park, Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest Park, Port Kells Park and Godwin Farm Biodiversity Preserve Park are home to gentle green giants.
Check out Party for the Planet (Apr 27)
BC’s largest Earth Day celebration on April 27 at Surrey Civic Plaza. Party for the Planet will include environmental workshops, a sustainable marketplace, live music, family-friendly activities, community booths, a plant sale and much more!