It’s Earth Day, a time to be especially kind to the planet.

TAMPA BAY – The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 as a way to make people more conscious of the environment and to take better care of the planet.

There are many ways around Tampa Bay to celebrate and care for the planet, whether it’s a special event this weekend or by volunteering all year round. Or, you could just go outside and enjoy the wonderful Tampa Bay weather and environment. Whatever you choose, have a good Earth Day. We’ve included a few ideas.

For more about Earth Day and its history, go to earthday.org.

Take the kids to the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the library is hosting Earth Day Every Day, a program that with stories about what we can do to help the planet, then use recycled materials to make some creative crafts. Participants will also be given a chance to re-purpose some special materials of their choosing. Ages 5-12.

Head on out (yes, we are aware of the irony of using a car to go places to celebrate Earth Day) to Hillsborough River State Park tomorrow (April 23). In celebration of Earth Day, the park, 15402 U.S. 301 N in Thonotosassa, is joining the worldwide effort to raise awareness of how trees make a “significant and measurable impact on the Earth and will serve as the foundation of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for all.” Learn about the invasive and/or exotic species of plants that the park is trying to remove and the native species of plants and trees that are beneficial to the park and perhaps your home landscape. You will be given the opportunity to take a short hike and help with the removal of one of the park’s invasive exotic species. The Earth Day: One Plant, Two Plants – Bad Plant Good Plants program is set from 9 a.m. to noon.

Pack up the pooch and go to the Bark in the Park pet expo at Freedom Lake Park, 9990 46th St. N, Pinellas Park. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow (April 23). The city promises fun, games, food, pet vendors, low-cost pet vaccines and pet adoptions.

Earth Day | Largo | Pinellas Park | Hillsborough River State Park | TB Reporter

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