Watch CBS News

Best Ways To Celebrate Earth Day 2013 In Minnesota

As Minnesotans, we all bear responsibility in keeping our land of lakes as healthy as we can. Earth Day can be a call to action for many of us to learn how to be greener, clean up our communities and show how much our beautiful state means to us. While many local events are planned to showcase the environment this Earth Day, here are a few picks that will either inspire or educate you to become part of the solution and protect the planet.

Related: America's Best Gardens And Parks

Running Generic
(credit: Jupiter Images)

 
Minneapolis Recycle Run
Lake Harriett Bandshell
4135 W. Lake Harriett Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55419
(612) 230-6400
www.minneapolisrecyclerun.com

Date: April 21, 2013

The 6th-Annual Minneapolis Recycle Run will celebrate Earth Day at south Minneapolis' beautiful Lake Harriett. The event benefits the Minneapolis Earth Day Clean Up which brings attention to the quality of Twin Cities lakes, rivers, neighborhoods and parks. The 5K run is chip timed and gives a $10 discount for pre-registration ($40 to register the day of event). There is also a free half-mile run for kids 11 years and under which requires pre-registration. All runners will receive t-shirts and other giveaways. Used running shoes and shirts will be collected and recycled at the event.

Como Zoo's Party For The Planet
1225 Estabrook Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55103
(651) 487-8200
www.comozooconservatory.org

Dates: April 19-22, 2013

Como Zoo celebrates Earth Day with educational programs, interactive games, exciting entertainment and fun crafts for the family. Meet the zoo keepers while at the zoo and ask them how to preserve animal habitats. Learn how plants and animals conserve energy and find out how to reduce energy usage in your own home.

Related: Running Season: Guide To Spring Runs In The Cities

Earth Day Events
 
Celebrate Earth Day
Richardson Nature Center
8737 E. Bush Lake Road
Bloomington, MN 55438
(763) 694-7676
www.threeriversparks.org

Date: April 21, 2013

Being outdoors is a great way to enjoy Earth Day. Check out the hiking trails that weave through the marsh, forest and prairie land of Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Spot a turkey, deer or one of the many bird species that call this area home. Catch pond-dwelling creatures, run through the outdoor children's play areas or enjoy the educational exhibits inside Richardson Nature Center. You will become one with nature at an Earth Day spent here.

Anoka County Family Earth Day Celebration
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Preserve
7401 Main St.
Lino Lakes, MN 55038
(651) 429-8007
www.anokacountyparks.org

Date: April 20, 2013

Help clean up the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Preserve and then reward your efforts with the free family activities that await at the Wargo Nature Center. Climbing walls, canoeing, educational projects, live music from the Roe Family Singers and refreshments will be available. Local businesses and groups will hold an Earth Day Fair onsite where you can learn how to become more earth friendly.

EarthDay
Harriett Alexander Nature Center
2520 Dale St. N.
St. Paul, MN 55113
(651) 792-7012
www.ci.roseville.mn.us

Date: April 20, 2013

Celebrate Earth Day at Roseville's Harriet Alexander Nature Center, which opened on Earth Day in 1990. Feast on an 8 a.m. pancake breakfast, share in a tree-planting ceremony, explore exhibits that celebrate nature or participate in Earth Day crafts and games. Live music will be provided  by Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade, Bill Hammond and Music Memories. This Earth Day celebration will be a zero-waste event.

RelatedBest Spots For A Picnic In Minnesota

Cortney Mohnk is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.