Although Earth Day is April 22, events take place even before the month, beginning with Earth Hour on March 28, during which people worldwide (50 million in 2008 with a goal of 1 billion in 2009, according to http://www.earthhour.org) turn off their lights for one hour to show their concern for the environment.

This year, Earth Day is on a Wednesday and events are clustered on the weekends before and after, with lots for the whole family to see and do in Calgary and Edmonton.

Calgary residents have a variety of opportunities for fun and education in April, starting with REAP Business Association’s Down to Earth Week Sustainable Living Festival, and ranging later in the month from free Good Earth coffee to celebrations at the TELUS World of Science, Calgary Zoo and Calgary Tower.

The TELUS World of Science - Calgary is hosting an Earth Day celebration that will include booths in the main lobby which are free to the public, as well as workshops and games within the centre, included in the price of admission. Workshops are listed on the TELUS World of Science website at http://www.calgaryscience.ca.

This year’s theme is Beautiful Earth and the aim of the event, says Brandi Chuchman, public programs coordinator at the TELUS World of Science, is to promote “sustainability ... through environmentally sustainable business practices, projects that rejuvenate our environment or social projects that help other people live more sustainably.”

April 26th is the 20th anniversary of one of the biggest Earth Day events in Canada, Edmonton’s Earth Day Festival at Hawrelak Park. Literally thousands of people turn out to the event each year, regardless of the weather.

“We can’t complain about Mother Nature,” laughs organizer Janice Boudreau, referring to the “rain or shine” policy.

The festival features six hours of main stage entertainment, hands-on activities for the kids and exhibits with plenty of experts on hand to answer questions, plus representation from the City of Edmonton showcasing the city’s environmental initiatives.

“The aim is basically to learn how to walk a little lighter on the Earth,” says Boudreau. “The best thing about this event is that it’s one of the only places you can come to talk to the experts about all these things—and it’s free.”

A full range of environmental topics will be covered, from recycling to wildlife conservation, and the event is designed to offer something for all ages.

“I love the family involvement of it; it’s a place you can come and hang out with your family in the park for the day and be able to take home some great ideas,” says Boudreau.

April earth day event listings

First week in April: Local menu tastings at restaurants around Calgary until April 4. Local restaurants including Open Range, Velvet and Farm will feature menus showcasing local ingredients.

April 3: Dr. Ellis Jones, author of “The Better World Shopping Guide” speaks at the Calgary Public Library, Central Branch (11:30 am - 1 pm, presentation begins at noon) as part of the REAP (Respect for the Earth and All People) Free Business Lecture Series.

April 4: REAP Responsible Shopping Event, 1-5 pm at the Colonel Walker Hangar, SAIT. Includes a sustainable fashion show and green market. Tickets are $15 at the door, or $10 in advance and can be purchased at REAP events or online at http://www.reapcalgary.com/earthweek.

April 18: Wild Alberta Expo, 9 am - 2 pm at the Calgary Tower. The Alberta Wilderness Association presents this Earth Day celebration which includes musicians, face painting and wildlife mascots.

April 19: Party for the Planet, 10 am - 3 pm at the Calgary Zoo. Learn what you can do to help the Earth with events for the whole family.

April 22: Free coffee! Good Earth Cafe and the Calgary Zoo have teamed up to offer free coffee to anyone donating money to the David Suzuki Foundation today.

Ward 9 22-minute Clean-up: residents and businesses in Calgary’s Ward 9 are invited to join Alderman Joe Ceci in a 22-minute community clean-up today. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided. Call (403) 268-5330 for more information.

April 25: TELUS World of Science - Calgary Earth Day Celebration, 10 am - 4 pm.

April 26: Edmonton Earth Day Festival, noon - 6 pm at Hawrelak Park. Free transit from the U of A LRT station provided by Edmonton Transit and free bike lock-up at the event. For more information 780.460.1756 or http://www.earthday.ca.

April - October: Yellow Fish Road Project, Canada wide. Get a group of friends or neighbours together and volunteer to paint yellow fish symbols over storm sewer grates to remind us all of where our run-off ends up and who it effects. Contact Roger Kelley at 403.209.5181 for more information.