6 Ways to Dig Into Earth Day in Northeast Ohio

Attack Invasive Species.
Garlic mustard is an invasive plant that appears early in spring, blocking sunlight and consuming nutrients that other plants need. The good news is the plant is easy to spot and pull out. The bad news is there are a lot of them. Join the fight by volunteering to pull garlic mustard at Brecksville Reservation on April 22. clevelandmetroparks.org 

Plant a Tree.
With Northeast Ohio’s tree canopy beginning to vanish, tree planting is a major focus this year at Holden Forests & Gardens, which is striving to have 15,000 trees planted by 2025 through its People for Trees initiative. holdenfg.org 

Save the Turtles.
The spotted turtle is in trouble in Ohio. The native species is declining in numbers due to loss of habitat, poor water quality, an increase in predators, illegal poaching and encounters with vehicles. Head to Lake Metroparks on April 24 to learn more about how to help Ohio’s threatened turtles — and to receive a tree sapling to take home. lakemetroparks.com 

Clean Out Your Closet.
You know that old sweater you’re thinking about throwing away? Give it a second life outside of a landfill by heading to Cleveland State University’s EarthFest 2022 on April 21, where you can swap unwanted clothing — and check out 40 booths that offer everything from battery recycling to information about Northeast Ohio’s many environmental organizations. csuohio.edu/sustainability 

Hit the Beach.
The Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District is joining several other organizations to rid Huntington Beach in Bay Village of litter. The April 30 event is part of Great Lakes CleanUp, a multi-week effort to eliminate trash (bags and tools are provided). cuyahogaswcd.org