Officially, Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22, but on the Paradise Coast – seeing as you are surrounded by the wondrous beauty of Mother Nature – you can pretty much lay down after kicking off your boots and celebrate it any the time of the year. There is so much nature to breathe in to become one with in Naples and the surrounding areas; from the pristine beaches, the green crystal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the alluring natural habitat of the Everglades.
Twenty million people took part in the first ever Earth Day Celebration on April 22, 1970.That historic event created such an impact that bills were drafted and passed as laws that gave more importance to the protection of the natural environment– a real gift to those on the Paradise Coast of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades.
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON) celebrates Earth Day at the same time with Founder’s Fun Day each year. However, C’MON perpetuates an appreciation of Earth every day with hands-on exhibit galleries including “Green Construction” which is like building your own forest; “The Banyan Tree,” an enjoyable climbing frame where there are holes for the kids to peep out from; and “At the Beach,” where a massive shell teaches about the importance of marine life conservation.
Every year, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center hosts a whole day of Earth Day festivities for all ages. Their event attracts more than 1,200 adults and children. This event is jam-packed with green activities for all ages, including educational programs, electric boat tours, expert seminars – not to mention live music and food. For the kids, there’s face painting, arts and crafts, hands-on habitat experiences, self-guided tours of the Dalton Discovery Center and the wildlife clinic’s viewing area where you can get the chance to see adorable newly born animals.
The Naples Botanical Garden is a massive garden complex featuring lakes, unique natural habitats and ecosystems, nature trails and a birding tower in addition to landscaped gardens blooming with flowers from Florida, Brazil, the Caribbean and even as far as Asia.
Naples Botanical Garden has incorporated quality-performance and sustainable green building practices with an intensive focus on green energy and the environment. We recommend for you to visit the water garden and interactive children’s garden or attend one of the many workshops discussing the basics of gardening and photography.
Nothing beats Earth Day and it only gets better when celebrating it in Naples, Florida. The establishments and the organizations that help protect the natural environment here all have something to offer for guests during this very special day. So come, bring your friends and family and experience the true wonders of Mother Nature as we all celebrate Earth Day, this very historic and momentous occasion. Let us show our gratitude for Mother Earth and let’s help spread the awareness to everyone because we are all at stake here. Earth is our home and it will be the home of our children and the people for generations to come.
