Earth Day Events, Close to Home

Coming up next week is Earth Day, started in 1970 by Sen. Gaylord Nelson to bring light to environmental issues. As a result, 20 million Americans demonstrated across the country on April 22, 1970. Later that year, Congress authorized the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency – a triumph for those seeking a cleaner, greener America. Today, environmental issues are at the forefront of many people’s minds all over the country. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the day, check out some of these events going on April 22 – unless otherwise noted — in the city.

Earth Day at the National Zoo – April 22

At this free event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can meet the Smithsonian National Zoo’s Green Team experts, participate in “green” crafts and learn simple daily actions to achieve a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Also, State Farm will host a special area for children to make their own plant pots with recycled newspapers. For details, visit http://nationalzoo.si.edu. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW.

“The Greening of Architecture” with Professor Phillip Tabb – April 22

Professor Tabb of Texas A&M University will speak about community architecture, with an emphasis on climatic, energy and sustainable architectural design, and sign copies of his book, “The Greening of Architecture.” The event begins at 6 p.m. Architecture Week runs from April 21 to May 1, and there are several other “green” events scheduled. For details, visit http://aiadc.com/calendar/event. District Architecture Center, 421 7th St., NW.

Earth Day at Union Station – April 22

There will be an Earth Day celebration at Union Station commemorating the 44th anniversary of earth day. Exhibits from sponsors will be set up within the station offering interactive and educational exhibits for all ages to enjoy. Sponsors include the Earth Day Network, NASA and more. Find out more at http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-union-station. Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE.

Tudor Place – April 22

Tudor Place is selling tickets for a family-fun earth day on the lawn on April 22. The day will have green-friendly games and a scavenger hunt. Kids will also be allowed to paint their own flower pots and plant seeds in them within the garden. The event will cost non-member children $8 and adults $5. Member children only have to pay $5. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-at-tudor-place-tickets-2127323883. Tudor Place, 1644 31st St NW.

4th Annual 6K Walk for Water – April 23

At 11:45 a.m., a senior State Department official will make brief remarks and cut the ceremonial ribbon at the 21st Street entrance of the Truman Building. Walkers will head from the State Department to Georgetown via the Rock Creek Parkway trail system. The House of Sweden is hosting the halfway point water break, where walkers will hear from experts from the World Wildlife Fund and the Nature Conservancy about our drinking water source, the Potomac, and water issues in other parts of the world. Rain or shine. For more information, email EarthDay@state.gov. U.S. Department of State, 2201 C St., NW.

Conscious College Road Tour – April 22

The conscious college road tour is coming to D.C. The tour will stop at American University April 21 and Georgetown University April 22. The event will have free organic food, free samples, demos, and information about the transition from conventional to conscious living and then a town hall meeting with special guests Ashley Koff, a celebrity dietician, and Jessica Shade, the director of science programs. For more details, visit http://www.teensturninggreen.org/programs/pgc-conscious-college-road-tour/.

Earth Day Keynote Speaker at Georgetown University : Mark Tercek – April 22

Georgetown University keynote speaker for Earth Day this year is President and CEO of the Nature Conservancy, Mark Tercek, to talk about his bestselling book “Nature’s Fortune: How Business and Society Thrive by Investing in Nature.” The talk will be in the ICC Auditorium at 7 p.m. The university is asking people to register to attend. To register, visit sustainability.georgetown.edu/news/earthday2014/.