The Carolinas celebrate Earth Day 2022

CHARLOTTE — Earth Day is on Friday and there are a lot of ways to celebrate in the Carolinas all throughout the weekend.

Early Friday morning, Channel 9′s Gina Esposito could see five white tents already set up at First Ward Park for Charlotte Earth Day. The tents will be used as knowledge stations. Kids can stop by to learn about different aspects of the environment, like water and air.

Channel 9 spoke with the event’s director who said he hopes the activities can educate the community and gather like-minded groups together.

“It’s really to gather people together and try to increase your awareness of the environmental challenges that we’re facing, and the solutions that are before us, inspire a little more participation and encourage good stewardship,” Director Hardin Minor said.

The Charlotte Earth Day celebration is free for all families -- it’s funded by a grant from the Arts and Science Council.

The event will kick off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with a parade. There will be 35 exhibitors, including new battery electric buses from CATS. Families can also expect food vendors and refill stations for recycled water bottles.

Charlotte Earth Day is just one of many in the area this week.

In South Carolina, the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill is the place to be. Our partners at CN2 News say this year’s Earth Day coincides with the greenway’s 25th birthday.

It will host events all weekend like a litter sweep, a recycled art show, kayaking, guided hikes and cabin tours.

“It’s really just an opportunity to get out and appreciate nature and especially here with what’s in our backyard,” Elizabeth Bowers told CN2.

The event at the greenway will be free through Sunday, but there is a $5 fee for parking.

Some events require registration -- click here for the greenway’s website.

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