Across the nation, ECOS member agencies marked Earth Day on April 22 in a variety of fun and engaging ways. First held in 1970, the annual observance is geared toward individual actions that make a collective difference.
For a sampling of state activities – ranging from cleanup events and contests to teach-ins and videos – read on!
- The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) is turning Earth Day into Earth Month. Throughout April, CalEPA hopes to inspire Californians to “Act Today. Amplify Change. Save air, water and land from pollution” with actions, events, and resources on its Earth Day Hub.
- For the first time in more than a decade, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) marked Earth Day with a public-facing annual report highlighting environmental progress made throughout the state. “Our environment is a shared resource, and Hoosiers deserve transparency into the work being done to protect it,” said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods.
- The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) compiled a schedule of Earth Day events across the state including cleanup events, outdoor activities, live music, food, crafts, and more. LDEQ also hosted an Earth Day celebration in Baton Rouge at which volunteers informed community members about the agency’s work.
- The Maryland Department of the Environment held a large shoreline cleanup event at Baltimore’s Masonville Cove, the nation’s first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership. Staff and volunteers removed over 160 pounds of trash in just over an hour!
- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection produced a video at the recently modernized Duck Island Treatment Facility to highlight State Revolving Fund (SRF) investments in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. Statewide, the SRF is investing over $1B in 70 municipal projects to provide clean, affordable, and reliable water services.
- In an Earth Day press conference at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Adventure Center, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, & Energy (EGLE) leaders announced that the state’s recycling rate has reached a record high (26%) for the fifth year in a row. EGLE and DNR hosted hands-on recycling activities for students, and EGLE offers a webpage dedicated to ways to celebrate and live sustainably. EGLE also announced winners of its 2026 Earth Day Poster contest for K-5 students.
- The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services encouraged residents to learn more about their drinking water, highlighting ways the public can make testing a priority and participate in local decisions about water infrastructure.
- New Jersey’s Governor issued a 2026 Earth Day Proclamation highlighting Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) work to protect resources, reduce toxic substances, and enhance community resilience. DEP awarded nearly $15M in flood protection grants, promoted an array of Earth Day activities and educational initiatives, and announced an expansion of a community-led flood resilience program.
- Ecosystems are connected, and what happens in one place can ripple across entire landscapes. This Earth Day, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services released an informative video exploring the balance that keeps the state thriving and actions citizens can take to prevent the spread of invasive species, which outcompete native plants and wildlife. The agency also issued a 50 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Poster.
- The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is empowering educators via an Earth Day Hub with resources, lesson plans, and tools to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Lesson plans cover topics including Junk Art, Create Your Own Compost, How to Recycle, and Introduction to Landfills.
