Earth Day 2018 is taking place April 22. Chicago might be an urban center, but there are still plenty of ways to get in touch with nature and give a little back to the planet. Check out these Earth Day highlights from across Chicagoland.

Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden photo by Shutterstock

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe has 27 different gardens that sprawl across 385 acres of land. In addition to being a gorgeous natural space, the botanic garden is dedicated to conservation and research. General admission to the gardens is free, but you can also show your support through ticketed events. On April 21, join a bird expert on a spring bird walk through the Chicago Botanic Garden. The garden is also hosting the Unearth Science Festival during Earth Day weekend. Roll up your sleeves and help scientists with hands-on activities, like learning how to tag a honey bee.                       

Spend the Day at Museum Campus 

Earth Day is all about education, and Chicago is lucky enough to be home to Museum Campus in the South Loop, a collection of amazing museums that are ready to help you learn. Stop by the Shedd Aquarium to support the animals living there as well as research and conservation efforts starting in the Great Lakes and spanning the globe. If you leave feeling inspired, join the #SheddTheStraw movement, a campaign to reduce and eliminate the plastic waste and environmental harm caused by drinking straws. 

Head to The Field Museum’s Abbott Hall of Conservation “Restoring Earth” exhibit to learn about our earth’s biodiversity and what Field Museum scientists are doing to preserve it. You can also visit the Adler Planetarium to get an idea of where we fit into the larger universe.

Museum Campus is also a beautiful spot to get outside. Walk along the Northerly Island paths that wind past the lake and through tall prairie grass.

LoganSquarist Earth Day Pick-Up Party

Photo courtesy of LoganSquarist

For anyone who wants to volunteer their time on Earth Day, consider heading to the LoganSquarist Earth Day Pick-Up Party. You can register for the event, which starts at 11 a.m. on April 21. Volunteers will gather at the Illinois Centennial Monument in Logan Square to get supplies. After that, they will disperse and start clearing the neighborhood of trash. After a hard day’s work, volunteers can join the after party from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Shop, Donate, or Volunteer at the Wasteshed

Photo courtesy of The Wasteshed

The Wasteshed in Humboldt Park gathers otherwise unwanted materials and turns them into repurposed art and supplies. The organization’s entire mission is sustainability. If you tend to go on crafty Pinterest binges, set aside some time on Earth Day to check out the supplies for sale at the Wasteshed. Alternatively, you can do some spring cleaning and donate your clutter instead of throwing it away. The Wasteshed also has volunteer opportunities for Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 

Earth Day Celebration with the Chicago Folklore Ensemble

Photo courtesy of Chicago Folklore Ensemble

For something a little different, try the Old Town School of Folk Music. This Old Town institution is putting on an Earth Day Celebration with the Chicago Folklore Ensemble. Ideal for families, this April 20 event will feature a string quartet and storyteller sharing songs and tales from different cultures, all meant to honor the planet. 

Check Your Local Park for Earth Day Festivities

Photo courtesy of Chicago Park District

You don’t necessarily have to look very far for something to do on Earth Day. The Chicago Park District is putting on events at several parks throughout the city. The theme of this year’s events is “Your Earth, Your Legacy.” The park events will feature clean-up activities and family fun.

Here are the eight parks hosting Earth Day festivities:

If you want to take action before Earth Day, you can join the thousands of people across the world participating in Earth Hour on March 24 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time. Turn off your lights and get #EarthHour trending in an effort to bring attention to climate change.