The Leslie Science and Nature Center announces the much-anticipated Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival 2024, promising a day of environmental education, community engagement and sustainable fun. This free event, scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m., April 21, 2024, is designed to inspire and empower individuals of all ages to advocate for a healthier planet.

This nature-filled, community-oriented event will be filled with activities, workshops and live entertainment all dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. This annual celebration has become a cornerstone Earth Day celebration for the city of Ann Arbor, drawing families, environmental enthusiasts and community members together to honor our planet.

The festival will feature a range of activities including hands-on displays, educational sessions on green building, sustainable agriculture and water conservation, as well as interactive exhibits from local environmental nonprofits and agencies. Highlighting the event’s commitment to reducing environmental impact, the festival aims to continue its zero waste tradition by diverting an average of 90 percent of waste from landfills.

“We believe that through education and community engagement, we can confront the environmental challenges ahead of us,” says Susan Westoff, president and executive director of the Leslie Science and Nature Center. “The Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival is not just a celebration; it’s a call to action. It’s an opportunity for families to come together, have fun and learn how to contribute to a sustainable future.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their reusable water bottles and join in the Earth Day Parade, a festival highlight where children and adults alike can dress up as their favorite animals, join in with musical instruments and parade through the nature center grounds.

Leslie Science and Nature Center is a natural oasis within Ann Arbor, offering trails, raptor enclosures, the Critter House and a range of public programs designed to inspire ecological awareness and sustainability among all age groups. Committed to providing hands-on learning experiences, the center fosters curiosity, discovery and a deep appreciation for the natural world.