Amid scientists sounding the alarm on climate change, local residents are banding together to take care of the environment in their communities this Earth Day.
Activists first celebrated Earth Day in 1970 to promote awareness in an era of growing environmental concern. Support for the holiday exceeded expectations and helped expand the environmental movement. It also put pressure on President Richard Nixon to establish the Environmental Protection Agency and pass the Clean Air Act.
In the month leading up to Earth Day this year, four continents experienced a top-10 warmest March on record and land temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere reached a record high, according to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The same report also states that Antarctic sea ice continues to hover near record-low levels, and that climate change likely had something to do with the four tropical cyclones that stormed across the globe in March.
Earth Day celebrations started early in Lynn, where Mayor Jared Nicholson, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the nonprofit The Food Project hosted a biodegradable pot decorating event on Friday.
“We are incredibly grateful to celebrate Earth Day with our community,” Nicholson said in a statement.
More celebrations are set to take place in coming weeks, with the bulk of events happening today.
LYNN
Northern Strand Trail Clean Up
Bike to the Sea will host a clean up along the Lynn section of the Northern Strand Trail from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. today. Volunteers will also work together to clean up the Community Path of Lynn.
City Park Clean Up
The Department of Public Works and Litter Committee will host and provide supplies for a clean up in the Lynn Common from 1-3 p.m. today.
Tree Planting Ceremony
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Amundi US will host a Tree Planting Ceremony from 12:30-1 p.m. at Red Rock Park today, where they will plant the first of 95 trees donated to Lynn.
SAUGUS
Park Serve Day
Lieutenant Gov. Kim Driscoll is expected to attend the state Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Park Serve Day at Breakheart Reservation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Driscoll is also set to participate in a 12 p.m. tree planting ceremony.
SWAMPSCOTT
Spring Yard Sale
For $20, the Town of Swampscott invites residents to participate in a town-wide yard sale from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. today. Those interested can register on the town website to receive a yard sale sign, an automatic permit, a feature on town-wide social media postings, and a map leading up to the event.
Earth Fest
The free Swampscott Earth Fest will return to the Town Hall lawn on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a tree giveaway, used bike sale, games, food, and information on environmental stability.
LYNNFIELD
Tree Discovery Walk
The Tree Committee will hold a free local nature walk to explore native trees and hunt for habitats today. Participants will meet at 62 Bourque Road at 10 a.m. During the 1-hour walk, committee members will identify tree species and explore their role in the environment. In the event of bad weather, the walk will take place on Sunday, April 23.
MARBLEHEAD
Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration
The Marblehead Conservancy will host a celebration from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. today including opportunities to plant wildflowers and clean up the beach. Participants are invited to meet at the Conservancy’s tent at Lead Mills, just off Lafayette Street near the Forest River Bridge.
