What’s Going on for Earth Day 2013 Near Chevy Chase?

April 22, 1970, was the first-ever Earth Day. More than 20 million Americans participated in rallies, demonstrations and a variety of activities across the country in the name of raising awareness for a more healthy, sustainable environment.

After witnessing an enormous oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA, Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D-WI) planned a national teach-in on the environment to educate the media about air and water pollution. Nelson partnered with Rep. Pete McCloskey (R-CA) and activist Denis Hayes to coordinate the event, which grew into Earth Day.

Four decades later, Earth Day is ingrained in the national consciousness, with many groups—from school groups to businesses—participating in events such as clean-up efforts, awareness-raising activities, recycling and more.

The Earth Day Network has some activities in which anyone may participate,   and the National Mall will feature an afternoon with speakers, celebrities and musical acts such as Cheap Trick, Dave Edmunds, DC saxophonist Ron Holloway (Allman Brothers, Little Feat, etc.).

There are a number of local events as well:

Silver Spring: Randolph Hills Park Cleanup (11805 Ashley Dr., April 13, from 9 a.m. to noon)

Bethesda: Little Falls Cleanup (Four locations are available on April 13, from 9 a.m. to noon: the end of Albemarle Street, the end of Elliott Road at the bridge over the creek, Willard Ave Neighborhood Park (Willard Avenue and River road) and the Little Falls Park entrance at Massachusetts Avenue.)

Rockville: Rock Creek Trail Cleanup (4140 Wexford Dr., April 13, from 9 a.m. to noon)

Brookeville: Tridelphia Reservoir Cleanup (2800 Triadelphia Lake Rd., April 13, from 9 a.m. to noon)

Laurel: Patuxent River Cleanup (11000 Harding Rd., April 21, from 9 a.m. to noon)

Wheaton: Brookside Gardens Festival (1800 Glenallan Ave., April 21, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.)