Earth Month

April 5, 2026

Earth Month: History, Purpose, and What’s Happening in Ohio

Earth Month is a global observance held every April to celebrate environmental protection, raise awareness about climate change, and mobilize communities to take action. It centers around Earth Day, first celebrated on April 22, 1970, when 20 million Americans took to the streets demanding environmental reform.

The movement was catalyzed by growing concern over pollution, oil spills, and ecological destruction. Spearheaded by Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day led to the creation of landmark policies and institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

In Ohio, Earth Month 2026 is shaping up to be action-driven. Organizations like Sierra Club Ohio are hosting community solar workshops, environmental justice forums, and advocacy events tied to climate legislation. Local municipalities are also piloting sustainability programs focused on electrification, urban tree planting, and water protection.

The focus this year is shifting from awareness to accountability—ensuring corporations and policymakers align with climate goals while communities lead the transition.

List of Events

Group Name: Event Name:Event Date/Time:Event Location :Event Description :
Northeast Ohio Sierra ClubEarthFest 2026Sat, May 9 at 10am to 3pmWest Shore Unitarian Universalist Church - 20401 Hilliard Blvd, Rocky River, OH 44116This tabling event aims to educate, connect and inspire anyone in the Cleveland area who has concerns about environmental issues. EarthFest reflects the major principles by which West Shore UUC is governed: respecting the interdependent web of existence and promoting a healthy environment for all people with which we share this beautiful planet.
Northeast Ohio Sierra ClubTree March: Plant Trees, not war. Sat, April 11 at 10-12pm Langston Hughes Branch 
Northeast Ohio Sierra ClubEarth Day CelebrationSat, Apr 11 at 2 to 4 pm12301 Imperial Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44120		Let's come together to celebrate Earth Day with music, games, and activities to raise awareness about protecting our planet!

Come join us for a fun-filled day celebrating our beautiful planet! The Earth Day Celebration will be held at 12301 Imperial Ave, where we will have exciting activities for all ages. From tree planting to eco-friendly crafts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Let's come together to show our love and appreciation for Mother Earth. Don't miss out on this fantastic event!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-celebration-tickets-1610583872719
Northeast Ohio Sierra ClubCleveland International Film FestivalFri, April 17 at 4:30pm
Sat April 18 at 9:30am		Cedar Lee Theater
Playhouse Square		Yanuni is a 2025 documentary film written, directed and co-produced by Richard Ladkani. Leonardo DiCaprio is also one of the co-producer of the film which is about Indigenous chief Juma Xipaia of Xipaya people, who fights to protect tribal lands despite assassination attempts.
Watch the Yanunim Official Trailer here.
Northeast Ohio Sierra ClubEarthFest 2026Wed, April 22 at 10-2pmCleveland State Student Center 
Northeast Ohio Sierra ClubEarth Day in the Cultural GardensSaturday, April 25, 2026
Time 10:00AM - 1:00PM		Centennial Peace Plazahttps://www.universitycircle.org/events/2026/04/25/earth-day-in-the-cultural-gardens
Northeast Ohio Sierra ClubEarth Day Evening HikeWed, Apr 22
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM		Rocky River Nature Centerhttps://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/rectrac/activity/RRREDEH
Northeast Ohio Sierra ClubEarth Day E-RecyclingWed, April 22 at 10-2pmThe Zoo's parking lot (at the far back of the Tiger Lot)Help protect wild gorillas and their habitat by bringing your old electronics to the Zoo on Earth Day
https://www.clevelandzoosociety.org/z/2026/01/20/earth-day-e-recycling-2026
Miami GroupGreater Cincinnati Earth Day Festival at Summit Park, Blue Ash,Sun, April 19, at 12-5 pmWashington Park, Cincinnati - FREE 
Miami GroupGreater Cincinnati Earth Day FestivalSun, Apr 19 at 12 - 5 pmWashington Park, Cincinnati, OHDrive Eletric Register here -- https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/attend
Miami GroupEarth DayTONSat, Apr 04 at 9 am - 3 pm2nd Street Market, Dayton, OHDrive Eletric Register here -- https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/attend
Portage Trail GroupCity of Hudson Earth Day CelebrationSat, April 18 at 11 am - 3 pmClocktower & Gazebo Greens, 27 E Main St, Hudson OHWe'll be tabling, with Sierra Club materials, and sign-up, and chatting with folk who walk by.
Portage Trail GroupMedina County Earth Day FestivalSat, April 25 at10 am - 4 pmBuffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Road, SevilleWe'll be tabling, with Sierra Club materials, and sign-up, and chatting with folk who walk by.
Portage Trail GroupKent Earth Day CelebrationWed, April 22 at 11 am - 3 pmRisman Plaza, 1075 Risman Drive, Kent OH 44240, and indoors at Williams Hall, 800 E Summit St, KentWe'll just be joining in -- probably with our members also in the Kent Environmental Council. There are 50 or so groups taking part.
Portage Trail GroupLocal Roots Market and Café EV car showSat, May 09 at 11 am - 3 pmLocal Roots Market and Café, Wooster, OHDrive Eletric Register here -- https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/attend
Portage Trail GroupScarlet, Gray, and Green FairSat, May 02 at 10 am - 4 pmFisher Auditorium North Parking Lot, Wooster, OHDrive Eletric Register here -- https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/attend
Portage Trail GroupEarth Fest and EVA / OHIO EV Showcase Risman Plaza, Kent, OHDrive Eletric Register here -- https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/attend
Central Ohio NetworkSustainability Fair - Upper ArlingtonSat, Apr 11 at 10 am - 1 pmUpper Arlington Public Library, Upper Arlington, OHDrive Eletric Register here -- https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/attend
Central Ohio NetworkEV Showcase at Earth Day ColumbusSun, Apr 26 at 11 am - 5 pmScioto Audubon Metro Park, Columbus, OHDrive Eletric Register here -- https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/attend
Central Ohio NetworkEarth Day 2026April 18 @ 9:00 am - 4:30 pmThe King Arts Complex
835 Mount Vernon Avenue
Columbus, OH 43203		https://kingartscomplex.com/event/earth-day-2026/
Central Ohio NetworkCleanups: WorksiteApril 4th-27th https://www.earthdaycolumbus.org/
Central Ohio NetworkBeautification & Community Gardens: WorksiteApril 4th-27th https://www.earthdaycolumbus.org/
Central Ohio NetworkTree Plantings: WorksiteApril 11th-27th https://www.earthdaycolumbus.org/
Central Ohio NetworkCommunity Science: WorksiteApril 25th-28th https://www.earthdaycolumbus.org/
Central Ohio NetworkEarth Day CelebrationApril 26th, 11am-7pm Scioto Audubon Metro Parkhttps://www.earthdaycolumbus.org/
Central Ohio NetworkEarth Day Fair hosted by the Green Team ERG4/22/2026 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Ross Heart Hospital AuditoriumPlant Giveaway
Central Ohio NetworkBuilding Local Coalitions for Climate Action in OhioApril 26th 3:45 – 7:30 p.m.The Fawcett CenterEPN Signature Earth Day Event – Learn More
Central Ohio NetworkNative Plant and Tree Giveaway4/24/2026 6:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.NEW LOCATION: Carmack Bus Stop 2https://u.osu.edu/mcgreenteam/earth-week-2025/
Central Ohio NetworkNative Plant and Tree GiveawayApril 25 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Chadwick Arboretum North: 4-H Center Parking Lothttps://u.osu.edu/mcgreenteam/earth-week-2025/
Central Ohio NetworkChadwick Arboretum Arbor Day Celebration8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.Kottman Hall Patio, (West side of the building) 2021 Coffey Rd., Columbus, OH 43210https://u.osu.edu/mcgreenteam/earth-week-2025/
Central Ohio NetworkFree Tree Giveaway with Franklin Park ConservatorySaturday April 18 11:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.Franklin Park Conservatory 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203The Franklin Park Conservatory is celebrating Earth Day with a ​family fun celebration honoring trees and their ​contribution to a healthy ecosystem! Kids can take ​part in a tree cookie craft and then families can pick ​out a tree sapling or two to take home and plant in ​their own yard. Tree cookie craft and tree saplings are included in the price of admission. No additional registration/fee is required! https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/earth-day-free-tree-giveaway/