Earth Day takes place April 22, but events often are scheduled throughout April under an Earth Month theme. 

That's the situation in southeast Michigan, where activities and special programming are seen on the calendar over a time frame of three to four weeks. 

Earth Day began in 1970, with Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin suggesting "teach-ins" at college campuses on the topics of the environment, air and water pollution. April 22 was chosen as a convenient date between spring break and final exams on a typical college schedule of the time.  

The University of Michigan actually held its first "teach-in on the environment" a month earlier, March 11, 1970, according to the school's website. The Ann Arbor event was later treated as a prototype for what would take place across the country that spring. 

Here's some of what is taking place this year: 

Ann Arbor 

Ann Arbor's Earth Month celebration list includes several free community events intended to encourage residents to take actions in support of "a healthier planet." 

"Ann Arbor has a history of coming together as a community to make meaningful environmental impact, and we're excited to continue encouraging this tradition as we usher in Earth Day 2025," said Missy Stults, director of the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations. 

The highlights include: 

• Earth Day with the EPA April 22 at the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. 
• Earth Day Festival April 27 at Leslie Science and Nature Center. 

Detroit 

An Earth Day 2025 celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26 at Belle Isle. This includes a spring clean up event.

An Earth Day 2025 celebration took place April 12 at Wayne County Community College District. 

The Earth Day Community Cleanup and Ice Cream Social is slated for 6 to 8 p.m. April 22 at Cold Truth on Cass Avenue. 

People for Palmer Park will host an Earth Day Clean Up from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 at Palmer Park off Merrill Plaisance.  

Earth Day at the Coalition will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26, meeting up at 15720 Alden St., Detroit. 

Spring Cleaning at 360 Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22. 

EarthDay.org and Detroit Hives have teamed up for a cleanup and bee pollinator project from 1 to 4 p.m. April 25 at Finney Community Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Chandler Park's Planting and Clean-Up Day is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 19 at Chandler Park Community Garden, 12831 Frankfort St., Detroit.

The Eliza Howell Park Earth Week park clean-up day is 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26 at the park, 23751 Fenkell Ave., Detroit.

The Gabriel Richard Park Earth Day Plein-Air Painting event is 6 to 8 p.m. April 22 at the park on East Jefferson Avenue along the Detroit River.

The Van Antwerp Park Earth Day community event and cleanup is noon to 3 p.m. April 26 at the park on Pinehurst, Detroit.

Ecorse 

Friends of the Detroit River will host a Spring Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon April 26 at John C. Dingell Park, Ecorse. 

Huron-Clinton Metroparks

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks will run a schedule of events from April 19-26 in honor of Earth Day. The activities include cleaning up picnic areas, and pulling invasive species such as garlic mustard out of the habitat.

Those who can't attend in person are invited to participate in Virtual Happy Hours that week, with a lesson and recipe for a mocktail each day.

Monroe 

The Monroe County Earth Day Expo took place April 12 at Monroe County Community College.

Royal Oak 

The Oakland County Earth Day 2025 includes a rally, a march through downtown Royal Oak and other activities. The rally and fair are set for 3 to 7 p.m. April 26 at Royal Oak Farmers Market.