Earth to All Patch Readers: How Did You Help the Planet?

Spring cleaning is in the air — and that isn't just limited to your unorganized basement or overflowing storage closet.

Sunday celebrated Earth Day, when the citizens of Planet Earth mobilize for an eco-celebration.

Globally, 176 countries will stage events to commemorate the annual event, but there are also options locally to give Mother Nature a break.

The  organized a cleanup on Saturday of the downtown area, which also included taking some time to plant the planters.

"We have identified many alleyways, backs of buildings and parking areas that are in need of clean up," Main Street's event's calendar says. "For these projects we are looking for youth, families and groups that would be willing to work with building/business owners to make it all happen also on this day."

The group was out from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday.

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These are some other ways people got involved for Earth Day in the Milwaukee area:

In Shorewood, the Milwaukee Riverkeeper is offering volunteer opportunities on Saturday.

The group is seeking volunteers to help pull trash from the Milwaukee River at 50 different sites including Shorewood's for its annual Spring River Cleanup effort. Visit www.milwaukeeriverkeeper.org for more information.

If you're interested in joining Shorewood Patch Editor Adam McCoy on Saturday to help cleanse the Milwaukee River or to help your neighbors that morning in , say so in the comments below or email adam.mccoy@patch.com, and you'll also get a Patch T-shirt and water bottle.

In Bayside on Sunday, the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is holding an afternoon event. You’ll have the chance to canoe on Mystery Lake, search for frogs, beach-comb along the shores of Lake Michigan, take a guided hike in our fabulous forests and view live animals.

Or head down to Milwaukee’s lakefront on Friday for some music and presentations on sustainability. Rock the Green, Milwaukee's near-zero waste music festival, will throw the city’s 2012 Earth Day Celebration.

The festivities will take place in the Market Street Corridor adjacent to City Hall starting at 11 a.m.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will speak along with aldermen and there will be a performance by local musician Evan Christian.

The stage will be solar-powered and lunch will be provided by local food truck vendors using compostable plates and napkins.

Or, just plant a tree on your block. If we missed something, or if you're doing something unique on Earth Day, let us know in the comments section.