The Earth as seen from space. (©Blue Planet Studio/Shutterstock)
By Jennifer McKee
Earth Week comes but once a year, but its message should be held throughout the seasons. Learn more about our planet and how to be a careful custodian at these virtual events that include a film festival, a discussion with a water laureate, animal interactions, a talk with winegrowers and more. Read on to discover where we’ll be tuning in.
Missouri History Museum, April 19-23
A look into the health and well-being of the Mississippi River and the human and natural systems it sustains is the focus of the Missouri History Museum and Global Being Foundation’s Global Freshwaters Summit. The weeklong series of events includes a presentation with water laureate and founder of the Global Water Policy Project, Sandra Postel. There’s also a virtual film festival hosted by Films for the Planet with 15 award-winning documentaries, interviews with filmmakers and panel discussion. All events are free, but registration is required.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, April 19-25
Learn about the world around you through a series of events that take place all week long on the museum’s Facebook Live page. The week kicks off with Earth Day history, then continues with a presentation about Bob the Turtle (the museum’s unofficial mascot), why snakes are an important part of the environment and Lights Out Texas, which explains how dimming the lights in Texas’ largest cities helps migrating birds stay on the correct path. There are new activities every day! Get the full schedule here.
“Seeding Change” Premiere, April 21-23
From Emmy-nominated director Richard Yelland comes Seeding Change, an inside look at how purpose-driven brands are working to create a greener way of life through sustainable and socially responsible business practices. This virtual screening takes place through New York’s Cinema Arts Centre and includes a pre-recorded Zoom discussion with Yelland after the film.
American Museum of Natural History, April 22
A daylong feast full of imaginative activities, AMNA’s EarthFest pulls out all the stops. Offerings include a live performance of puppetry and animation that illuminates indigenous folklore, a live virtual guided flight that explores climate science from the vantage point of satellites, a chat with conservation scientists and a virtual dance party, among others. The festivities kick off at 11 am EST.
Sonoma County Winegrowers and Vintners, April 22
Hold up a glass or red, white or rose and toast the Sonoma County Winegrowers and Vintners associations. The groups are co-hosting an hour-long Zoom discussion on sustainability in the region, broadcast from 18 different areas within Sonoma County. The grape growers and winemakers in Sonoma County have long been at the forefront of creating and utilizing sustainable practices and are committed to living and working a lifestyle to ensure businesses and the agricultural heritage in the county will be maintained for years to come. Register for the free event, which begins at 11 am PST, here.
