Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 every year to promote environmental protection through cleanup and sustainability events. This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” unites individuals and businesses in building a plastic-free future for the planet.

Many organizations are participating in this year’s Canal Clean Sweep, a cleanup event celebrating Earth Day. Hosted by the New York State Canal Corporation and Parks and Trails New York, the occasion includes more than 100 cleanup events over the weekend around Earth Day. Groups focus on clearing various sections of the canal including trails, parks and other public areas within the canal corridor.

The following local groups are participating in the Canal Clean Sweep:

• Minetto Beautification Committee holds a cleanup event from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 19. The group will focus on clearing the area on NYS Rte. 48 along the Oswego River, from Lock 5 to approximately one mile south of the Minetto Bridge. This includes Riverside Park, Minetto Town Hall and various gardens along the river.
• Friends of Great Bear host a cleanup from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 20. Participants will clear brush and pick up litter, focusing on the Tow Path from the Landing to Lock 4. The group will meet at the entrance of Great Bear Springs at the junction of county Route 57, Hawthorne Road and Great Bear Road.
• Fulton Special Events Committee and Friends host a cleanup event from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 20. The group will convene at the Canal Landing Gazebo, next to the Tavern on the Lock Restaurant in Fulton.
• The Village of Phoenix hosts a village-wide cleanup event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 20. Participants will clean along the streets, parks and islands throughout the village. Volunteers will meet in the back parking lot of the Sweet Memorial Building, 455 Main St., Phoenix.

For more information on local Canal Clean Sweep events or to register as a volunteer, visit https://www.ptny.org/events/canal-clean-sweep.

The Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center also celebrates Earth Day with activities on Monday, April 22 beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will learn about some of the different ways to make a positive impact on the planet and each other, as well as enjoy a make-and-take craft and a sweet treat.

Amboy 4-H also offers ‘Walk & Talk: Trees’ on Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. in celebration of Arbor Day. Participants will walk the trails and learn about different tree species and their unique characteristics.

The fee for these programs is $4 per person or $12 per family, with children aged three and under free. The facility is located at 748 NYS Rte. 183, Williamstown. For more information, visit https://thatscooperativeextension.org/amboy-4-h-environmental-education-center.

Cleanup events held by organizations, community groups and volunteers are essential in the effort to remove trash that collects along trails and roads, around parks and public spaces, and in watersheds throughout the year.

People can also celebrate Earth Day and protect the planet year-round by planting trees, reducing plastic consumption, avoiding unnecessary water and energy use, participating in advocacy and practicing sustainable fashion.