Earth Day 2020

April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. In 1970, the first official Earth Day celebration occurred as a day of education about environmental issues. Since then, the celebration has expanded into a global holiday that drives positive action for our planet. Each year, over 1 billion people come together to participate in one of the planet’s largest environmental movements.

Parks & Trails New York has hosted 14 annual Canal Clean Sweep events for Earth Day. These clean-up days have grown into one of New York’s largest Earth Day celebrations. Parks & Trails New York has also coordinated I Love My Park Day, a statewide spring clean-up event at state parks, historic sites and other public lands. This year, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the difficult decision to postpone Canal Clean Sweep and cancel I Love My Park Day was made for the safety and health of all New Yorkers.

We would like to thank our sponsors and volunteers who make Canal Clean Sweep and I Love My Park Day so valuable and fun! Updates on Canal Clean Sweep will be announced once we are able to make an informed decision based on the guidelines and suggestions provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the NYS Department of Health.

Despite these uncertain times, there are still actions we can take to continue honoring New York's parks and trails while following guidelines for safe outdoor activities. We encourage New Yorkers to find alternative ways to celebrate Earth Day this year!

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Parks & Trails New York has joined a statewide coalition of environmental groups to host a virtual advocacy day at the NYS Capitol on April 22, and we want you there with us! New York State has been and will continue to be a leader in protecting our environment, but it will take all of us speaking up to ensure this is so. Please register now to be part of a virtual news conference and live meetings with NYS policy leaders and advocates. Click here to reserve your spot.

In addition, this summer you can take part in DIY clean-ups (as long as you check in with park and trail managers first.) Parks & Trails New York encourages individuals and families to get outside and do some spring cleaning at nearby outdoor spaces that could use some TLC by picking up trash or litter. Be sure to take a picture and share it on social media by tagging us on Facebook @parksandtrailsny, on Twitter @PTNY, or on Instagram @parkstrailsny.

But before you go outside, please take the #ParksPledge.

Our parks and trails are more important than ever to our physical and mental well-being. To ensure these treasured outdoor spaces stay open, please take the #ParksPledge to keep parks and trails safe for everyone, and urge your family and friends to do the same.

Those that take the pledge promise to:

• Avoid crowded areas – if a park or trail is crowded, be ready to change plans. Also, steer clear of places people tend to congregate: parking lots, playgrounds, picnic areas, overlooks
• Practice social distancing - stay 6-feet away from individuals outside of immediate household members
• Stay local – recreate close to home and keep visits short

And, of course, if you’re not feeling well or have any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home.