How to celebrate Earth Week in Evanston: Community events and environmental education

April 1, 2026

View of the City of Evanston’s Earth Fest at the Ladd Arboretum in the International Friendship Garden. Credit: Joerg Metzner

Earth Week kicks off Saturday, April 18, with a Community Earth Day Celebration hosted by the Unitarian Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge Ave., from 2 to 5 p.m. Presentations include a talk by Jennifer Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, and highlights of Climate Action Evanston’s programs in environmental justice, sustainable energy, reducing waste, local food access and habitat restoration. Natural Habitat Evanston will give away bareroot native trees and shrubs. Everyone is welcome.

Throughout the week that follows, there will be opportunities every day to learn, take action and meet others who work year round to make Evanston a more sustainable community. Here’s a sampling.

Ecology Center

Free family-friendly, drop-in programs are scheduled daily, Monday, April 20 through Saturday, April 25, at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Boulevard.

Artist and activist Holly Greenberg will be on hand at the Ecology Center on Wednesday, April 22 for a bird-making activity. Credit: Joerg Metzner

4 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 20. Plants and Pollinators: At 4 p.m. Ladd Arboretum stewards will demonstrate “lasagna composting,” a method for turning turf grass into native habitat. Natural Habitat Evanston will be on hand to give away free tree and shrub whips (rooted cuttings) and lead tree walks.
4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. Water and Wetlands: Drop in to learn how wetlands support local ecosystems and use a microscope to see the tiny creatures that help keep our waterways clean.
4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22. Wildlife and Habitat: Make a bird with artist Holly Greenberg and contribute to a massive memorial to migratory birds killed in building collisions. Local birders will lead bird walks through the arboretum, and Natural Habitat Evanston will have more whips to give away.
4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23. Farm to Fork: Learn about vermicomposting (using worms to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil) with Evanston Grows.
3 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 24. Repair Cafe: Note earlier start time. Repair Cafe volunteers will be on hand to help extend the life of your eyeglasses, jewelry, bikes, lamps and even musical instruments, with a jam session to wrap up.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Earth Fest: Help City of Evanston forestry staff plant and mulch trees and take home a free, bareroot tree. From 11 a.m to 1p.m., Climate Action Evanston will lead off a Litter League competition to clean up Twiggs and other nearby parks.

Around town

4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, Windfree Solar Cafe, 517 Dempster St. Meet Jack Hanson, Evanston native and founder of Run on Climate, a nonprofit that works to support climate candidates across the country. Hanson will be there to speak and mingle, as will multiple local elected officials. There will also be live music, drinks, light fare, and a silent auction and raffle. Tickets available here.
6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. The Modern All-Electric Home: A Healthier, Safer and More Comfortable Way to Live, presentation by Aaron Stash, founder of The Electric Home Company, a Northbrook-based consultancy specializing in the electrification of residential properties. Reserve a spot (free but limited to 24).
6 p.m. Thursday, April 23, Annenberg Hall G15, Northwestern University campus. One Earth Film Festival Screening of Plastic People, an award-winning documentary that investigates our addiction to plastic and the growing threat of microplastics on human health. Hosted by Climate Action Evanston and Evanston Grows with support from ASG’s Sustainability Committee and Illinois Clinicians for Climate Action.

Interfaith Action of Evanston will close out the week with Prayer & Action for Earth Day at the Ecology Center from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 26. A pop-up choir rehearsal is planned for 3 p.m. and litter pick-up along the channel will be followed by an Interfaith Prayer for the Planet Liturgy at 4:30 p.m.

For more details about Earth Week events, see Evanston Earth Week.

Ecology Center

How can we meaningfully integrate outcomes in impact investing?

How can we meaningfully integrate outcomes in impact investing?

How can we meaningfully integrate outcomes in impact investing?

An AI company with an arsenal of spacecraft: what exactly is SpaceX?

Ethereum Up or Down

Israel’s noise pollution upsets animals as much as people – but can be reduced, study finds