The sun is out, flowers are blooming, and springtime is here in the Merrimack Valley. What better time of year to celebrate our Earth than its emergence from hibernation? Over the past year, our Merrimack Valley communities have honored the Earth through countless environmental initiatives. In turn, this Earth Day, April 22nd, the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission would like to honor our communities for their efforts in creating a sustainable and resilient future by highlighting and amplifying Earth Day initiatives across the valley.
Annual Earth Day cleanups are a great way to devote community efforts. In the valley, formal Earth Day cleanups will take place in Amesbury, Andover, Boxford, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen, Salisbury, and West Newbury during the weekend and weeks following Earth Day. These activities are hosted by numerous entities including local governments, non-government organizations, religious groups, and even cafes. In Boxford, participating in clean-up activities will earn you a free Benson’s ice cream sundae, while it may earn you a gift card to a local nursery in Groveland. Any clean-up, big or small, is a great opportunity to make a difference in the community and region this Earth Day and beyond.
In Newburyport, an Earth Day Climate Justice Rally, sponsored by the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist, will take place April 22nd, 1-5 pm, with activities including a march to Waterfront Park, stations hosted by local artists and educators, and speakers from the Merrimack River Watershed Council, National Wildlife Federation, and Wampanoag Nation, among others. Earth Day is a great occasion to bring together Climate Justice supporters throughout the valley through events such as this.
We at MVPC commend our communities’ efforts to celebrate and honor the earth, both this Earth Day and every day, with their many environmental initiatives. We look forward to continuing to support and assist the Merrimack Valley in its efforts to move towards a resilient, sustainable, and earth-friendly future. Happy Earth Day!
Check out the Earth Day happenings in the following communities:
At MVPC, we know Earth Day really is every day, for more information about the Commission’s Environmental objectives, check out our website.