Celebrate, Educate, and Make a Difference

Celebrate Earth Day with Parks & Rec. This week-long event brings the Virginia Beach community together to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices. Immerse yourself in earth-focused activities all week long.

Earth Day 1970

Earth Day was actually established on April 22, 1970, by Gaylord Nelson, a former U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. Nelson came up with the idea for a national day to focus on the environment after he witnessed the ravages of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, in 1969. 

Twenty million Americans — at the time, 10% of the total population of the United States — took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies.

Explore "Wonder Walkers" at Williams Farm Park

Enjoy a stroll through Williams Farm Park and experience the "Wonder Walkers" StoryWalk®, available April through June. This interactive outdoor reading experience brings the pages of Micha Archer’s beautifully illustrated book to life, encouraging curiosity and exploration of the natural world.

Earth Week Activities and Events