As April arrives, immerse yourself in the natural wonders and environmental stewardship of the San Juan Islands. Join us in celebrating Earth Day and the spirit of conservation while enjoying the unique charm of the San Juans!
Earth Day Celebration – Orcas Island – Day 1
Friday, April 19, 2024, from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
Emmanuel Episcopal Church – Orcas Island, WA 98250
Visit Orcas Island for a gathering at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church on April 19th for poetry readings, an illuminated labyrinth, and music. Additional festivities are to take place the next day and are listed below.
Earth Day Celebration – Orcas Island – Day 2
Saturday, April 20, 2024, from at 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Emmanuel Episcopal Church – Orcas Island, WA 98250
Come join a Procession of the Species parade on Orcas Island, Washington on April 20th. The Procession is a delightful event full of imagination, gratitude, and activism focused on celebrating the rich biodiversity of our Earth. We encourage all ages to participate with creative costumes and props that honor favorite creatures and natural resources that are essential to the health of our islands. The Procession winds through the village of Eastsound in an exuberant display combining the wonders of the natural world with colorful creative expression.
Saturday, April 20th, Procession Schedule:
10:30 am: Join children’s librarian Jenny DeGroot for special Earth Day storytelling.
11:00 am: The procession lineup begins on the Orcas Library grounds.
11:30 am: Procession departs from the library and leads to the waterfront at Emmanuel Episcopal.
The Procession is welcomed onto the labyrinth at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on the waterfront at noon, with an Eco Fair, arts and sculpture, light lunch, nature walk, live music, and community dancing. The Earth Day Festival opens from 12-5 pm, featuring interactive experiences designed to celebrate and deepen our connections with nature.
The festival overlooks the water and mountains lining the Sound, a beautiful location with activities for all ages to explore and enjoy. Lodging is available within walking distance with vacation rentals, resorts, and Inns nearby – a great opportunity for family enrichment.
Great Islands Clean Up 2024
Saturday, April 20, 2024
San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw Islands
San Juan Island:
Meet at 10 a.m. at the San Juan Island Brewing Co. parking lot (410 A St., Friday Harbor) on April 20 to pick up trash collection equipment and receive beach and roadway assignments. Coffee and goodies will be provided by Lautenbach Recycling to fuel your efforts (bring your own coffee cup, please)!
Drop off your collected trash at the same location by 2 p.m.
There will be an after-party at San Juan Island Brewing Co. with music, $1 beers for clean-up participants, activities for kids, a raffle, and the presentation of the Stewardship Network’s Good Steward Awards.
Contact Katie Fleming | katief@sanjuancountywa.gov | 360-762-5821
Orcas Island:
Pick-up bags, vests and grabbers starting Mon, April 15 at The Exchange or on 4/20 at the Village Green in Eastsound starting at 10 a.m.
Collected trash can be dropped off the day of the event between 2 -3 p.m. at the Village Green.
Participants can stop by Island Hoppin’ Brewery for a free pint starting at 4 p.m.!
Contact Pete Moe | pete@exchangeorcas.org | 360-376-4089
Shaw Island:
Drop-off collected trash on April 20 from 3-4 p.m. at the Shaw baseball field.
Call ahead for help with large or difficult-to-reach items, if you need ideas about where to look for trash, or if you need bags or gloves.
Contact Jennifer Woodbridge l outsidelanguage1@gmail.com | 360-378-7948 (call or text only)
Lopez Island:
Details to come soon!
For additional events happening in April beyond the holiday, click here to explore and make the most of this vibrant month!