Earth Day is celebrated annually worldwide on April 22; and in Miami – as in most cities – there are events scheduled for nearly every day of the month. Here are a few:
April 1: Science Saturday: Dolphins of Biscayne Bay
Science Saturday on the Miami Science Barge in Museum Park is not just for Earth Day, but when better to bring the whole family downtown for an eco-adventure? “The Miami Science Barge hosts researchers from NOAA Fisheries in the Marine Mammal Program who will discuss the resident pod of Bottlenose Dolphins that live in Biscayne Bay. Kids will be able to enjoy hands-on dolphin related activities. All ages are welcome, and entry is by donation.”
April 5: Salon Juste No. 4 – On Land: Climate Change & Environmental Justice in Miami
“You can’t talk about the future of Miami without also reckoning with the impact that sea level rise and climate change will have on the landscape, geography and people of Miami…”
April 8: Sustainable Fishing Series: Filleting Skills
“Workshop B of the Miami Science Barge Sustainable Fishing Series will focus on fish filleting skills in an attempt to reduce waste during the fish cleaning process. A local charter fishing captain will be on-board to lead the knife skills session. Barge crew will discuss and educate on the importance of eating locally, choosing seafood from sustainable sources, and where to find this information…”
April 8: Science Saturday: Florida’s Watershed and Water Conservation Workshop
April is also Florida Water Conservation Month, so the “Miami Science Barge will highlight Florida’s watersheds and wetlands, while focusing on ways to protect and conserve our freshwater supply.”
April 15: Science Saturday: Citizen Science Day
April 15th is National Citizen Science Day, so the Miami Science Barge has partnered with Chelle King fr. om Frost Science to help citizen scientists of all ages participate in a “BioBlitz” using the iNaturalist app (FREE for Apple or Android devices) to document the biological diversity in Museum Park.
April 19: Miami Science Barge Sip of Science no. 010: Sea Level Rise and Climate Justice in Miami
Sip of Science is a monthly lecture series for adults to enjoy drinks and discussions on a variety of sustainability-related topics. This month, Dr. Keren Bolter, FAU Geosciences, talks about “Sea Level Rise and Climate Justice in Miami”
April 20: 4earth Biology by the Bay at the Miami Seaquarium
On the event field at Miami Seaquarium which overlooks Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline for an awesome Earth day event! Guest speaker: Wildlife Biologist, Joe Wasilewski.
April 21: 4earth Mini Film Festival at the Miami Seaquarium
Celebrating Earth Day at the Miami Seaquarium with a Beneath the Waves Mini Film Festival! Showcase 4 -5 Beneath the Waves short films (20 mins each), the films have a strong focus on marine science and the issues surrounding our environment today.
April 22: Earth Day on The Underline
Get up and clean up in celebration of Earth Day! Friends of The Underline is partnering with the Miami Dade County Department of Transportation & Public Works to present Earth Day on The Underline, with members of your community volunteering to clean up the future Underline: Brickell Backyard from the Miami River to Coral Way.
April 22: March for Science Miami
The March for Science Miami is to celebrate our enthusiasm and passion for science and to call for support in safeguarding the scientific community.
April 22: Baynanza 2017
Do the Shore Thing! Baynanza is celebrating it’s 35th year on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteer registration for the Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day is now open.
April 22: 4earth Lionfish Derby at the Miami Seaquarium
Not only is this event for fishermen to take part in, but a day for the whole family to enjoy! Get a taste of lionfish by sampling them cooked in a number of ways, get creative by participating in lionfish jewelry workshops and learn more about what you can do at the local level to fight the lion fish invasion by visiting with our participating organizations!
April 22: Earth Day SCUBA Clean Up
Join South Beach Dive and Surf Center and Debris Free Oceans this Earth Day for a reef cleanup scuba diving trip in the crystal blue waters of Key Largo! Meet at South Beach Dive Center at 850 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, then stay for the after-party in Key Largo. South Beach Divers provides free transportation to and from Key Largo.
April 23: 4earth Scientific Beach Cleanup at Hobie Beach
Miami Seaquarium is holding a beach clean-up at Hobie Beach on Virginia Key, next to the park. Along with cleaning the beach, we want to conduct research on what kind of trash we find. Once we know the kind of trash that is abundant on our local beach, we can reach out to the community and inform them of alternatives to these items that can be used more than once.
April 25: Premiere Screening of Changing Seas “The Future of Seafood”
Please join the University of Miami Rosenstiel School and South Florida PBS for the premiere of the Changing Seas episode “The Future of Seafood” at the Rosenstiel School Auditorium
April 25: An American Shark Social: Let’s ‘Taco Bout Sharks
An evening of supporting the Shark Research and Conservation Program’s work to preserve the marine environment and its Sharky inhabitants. All proceeds/donations from the evening will go directly towards the Miami’s Shark Research and Conservation Program.
April 29: Arbor Day City of Miami 2017 Volunteer Project
Yes, April also celebrates Arbor Day, and the City of Miami is partnering with Citizens for A Better South Florida to lead volunteers in a day of activities at the Virginia Key Park and Nature Conservancy Restoration project.
April 29: Science Saturday: Shark Research and Conservation
Miami Science Barge will host the Shark Research and Conservation Lab from University of Miami RSMAS. Student researchers will discuss their Urban Sharks initiative, highlighting how sharks can live in an urban environment (all around the Barge and downtown), as well as debunking the scary mysteries of sharks and discussing their ecology and threats they face.
I wasn’t kidding when I said there was a lot of events celebrating our earth this month. There is something for everyone no matter your age or activity level. Let me know about other Earth Day events in the comments section. Happy Earth Day!
