The first official Earth Day celebration took place April 22, 1970, when roughly 20 million Americans participated in the largest civic demonstration in American history. 56 years later, climate activists and allies still gather to celebrate the Earth and advocate for its protection.
If you're looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day this year, look no further than the Ypsilanti area. Washtenaw County has both seasonal and year-round opportunities to participate in eco-friendly community events.
Superior Township Annual Roadside Cleanup
For the third year, the Superior Township Annual Roadside Cleanup will take place near Earth Day. This community event starts at Township Hall and ends with a free picnic-style lunch for volunteers at Old Town Hall. According to the host organization, Beautify Superior, the cleanups have removed over 7,000 pounds of trash from the streets of Superior Township.
This year's cleanup will be held Sunday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registered volunteers are asked to watch the weather and dress appropriately. Materials provided by the event's organizers include reflective vests, trash bags, grabbers and refreshments throughout the cleanup.
Visit BeautifySuperior.com to sign up as a volunteer or to learn more about the cleanup.
Growing Hope Farmer's Markets and Volunteer Opportunities
Growing Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Ypsilanti dedicated to the development of school gardens and community education and outreach. Growing Hope has maintained the downtown Ypsilanti Farmers Market and Depot Town Farmers Market since 2006 and 2013, respectively, bringing locally grown food to the community. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck Michigan, Growing Hope established a year-round online farmers market to expand its reach to community members who couldn't meet in person.
On Friday, Aug. 15, 2026, Growing Hope is hosting the Ypsi Food Festival, featuring food trucks, music and activities designed for families. Organizers are accepting volunteers for short shifts, each lasting around two hours. The Ypsi Food Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and duties for volunteers include overseeing activities, raffles and vendors.
For those looking for regular volunteer work, Growing Hope also organizes the Ypsilanti Farmer's Market that runs from May through October each year. Volunteer responsibilities are similar to those at the Ypsi Food Fest: setup, teardown and vendor assistance.
To learn more about Growing Hope and its work, visit Growing Hope's website.
Washtenaw County Public Rain Gardens
The Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner's Office oversees 160 public rain gardens in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, as well as the surrounding townships. Public rain gardens help keep rivers and lakes clean by absorbing stormwater runoff, when melted snow and rain carry pollutants from trash and pavement.
In order to keep the rain gardens running effectively, stewards look after their gardens on a weekly basis. Stewards are community volunteers who adopt rain gardens and maintain them throughout the year, which includes weeding, pruning, and keeping the garden clear for water to pass through and be absorbed by the ground.
To learn more and adopt a rain garden, visit the Washtenaw County Water Resources website.
