Garden State environmentalist Lisa McCormick embracing Earth Week

As Earth Week 2025 unfolds across New Jersey, communities are uniting under the global theme “Our Power, Our Planet” to champion renewable energy, environmental stewardship, and climate education.

From tree plantings to eco-festivals, here’s a roundup of inspiring events from April 21 to April 27 that showcase the Garden State’s commitment to a greener future.

"I am heartened to see New Jerseyans embracing Earth Week with such passion and creativity," said prominent Garden State environmentalist Lisa McCormick. "From grassroots cleanups to cutting-edge climate education, this year’s events reflect our collective commitment to safeguarding our communities and natural heritage."

McCormick highlighted several initiatives that exemplify New Jersey’s leadership:

Monday, April 21: Education and Advocacy Kickoff
The week begins with Bergen Community College hosting a unique musical presentation, “The Seas Are Rising: Stories of a Climate in Crisis,” by professor Dan Sheehan. This event blends art and science to highlight climate urgency, aligning with Earth Week’s educational focus 11.

Meanwhile, schools statewide participate in the New Jersey Department of Education’s Action for Earth 2025 initiative, engaging students in habitat restoration and pollinator garden projects as part of the “Protect and Preserve” theme.

Friday, April 25: Green Markets and Sustainable Living
Smithville’s Earth Day Green Market invites families to explore native plants, eco-friendly crafts, and local produce in Burlington County. This event emphasizes sustainable living, with workshops on reducing waste and composting 7.

Saturday, April 26: Statewide Celebrations
Liberty State Park’s Earth Day Celebration (Jersey City): From 10 AM to 3 PM, this free event features park cleanups, bird walks, eco-exhibitors, and food trucks. Families can also participate in tree sapling giveaways.

Cape May County Park & Zoo: Hands-on exhibits, live music, and a scavenger hunt teach kids about biodiversity, while bounce houses and character greetings add festive flair.

Montclair’s Earth Day Celebration: Volunteers gather for cleanups at Crane Park, followed by a community fair with music, art, and native plant workshops.

Hoboken’s Earth Day Music Festival: Local bands, green artisan markets, and fitness demos transform Monroe Center Plaza into a hub of eco-conscious fun.

Sunday, April 27: Closing with Community Impact
ACUA Earth Day Festival in Egg Harbor Township will have over 150 vendors and exhibitors offer free activities, from recycled crafts to renewable energy demos, making this one of NJ’s largest Earth Day gatherings.

Burlington County Earth Fair at Historic Smithville Park will feature keynote speaker Doug Tallamy, a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. This event also includes live music, a plant swap, and kids’ activities focused on nature conservation.

Red Bank Battlefield Spring Festival: Colonial-era games, sheep shearing demos, and a petting zoo blend history with environmental education. Word to the wise, this event is in Gloucester County and not in Red Bank, which is located in Monmouth County!

Ridgewood’s Daffodil Festival: A costumed dog parade, recycling magician, and eco-displays highlight this family-friendly fair.

Grassroots Efforts and Global Connections
Local organizations like Friends of the Wissahickon and Hudson County Improvement Authority are leading cleanups and invasive species removals, while NJDOE’s partnership with the 2025 City Nature Challenge encourages residents to document local wildlife. Globally, New Jersey’s efforts align with EARTHDAY.ORG’s call to triple renewable energy by 2030, with many events emphasizing solar power and green infrastructure.

Looking Ahead
As Earth Week concludes, the momentum continues.

The Action for Earth 2025 initiative transitions into its final theme, “Building Green Spaces,” urging schools to create outdoor learning areas and community gardens.

With over 50 events statewide, New Jerseyans have proven that collective action can spark lasting change—one sapling, one cleanup, and one educated mind at a time.

McCormick is a progressive Democrat who scored 159,998 votes against US Senator Robert Menendez in the 2018 primary election in a unique people-powered campaign that shunned money