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Thousands of scientists plan to march on Earth Day over what they see as governmental efforts to reduce the role of science.
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Earth Day falls on Saturday, April 22, in 2017, so you can spend your weekend doing something nice for the planet. There are also events in the week leading up to the holiday.

Here are some events around metro Phoenix to recycle, plant and more:

4/19: Phoenix College Earth Day Event

Students, staff and members of the community can learn about ways to implement sustainability solutions throughout daily life. Several displays will be at the event, and there will be chances to win sustainability-inspired prizes.

Details: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 19. 1202 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix. Free. 602-285-7800, phoenixcollege.edu.

4/20: Gilbert Earth Day Celebration

Gilbert Parks and Recreation is hosting an Earth Day Celebration at McQueen Park Activity Center. There will be family activities such as face painting, recycling-themed arts and crafts, games and Earth Day giveaways.

Details: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, April 20. McQueen Park Activity Center, 510 N. Horne St., Gilbert. Free. 480-503-6294, gilbertaz.gov/mcqueen-activitycenter.

4/21: E.A.R.T.H. Forward Summit

The summit is geared toward students who are interested in learning about sustainability action through Education, Adaptation, Resiliency and Technology for all of Humanity. The event will provide students with opportunities to get actively involved and encourages networking between students and their peers, professors and employers. Lunch and prizes inspired by sustainability will also be provided.

Details: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, April 21. South Mountain Community College, 7050 S. 24th St. Student Union Lounge, SU-100, Phoenix. Free. 602-285-7800, mcli.maricopa.edu.

4/22: 8th Annual Earth Day Phoenix

Celebrate Earth Day with exhibitors, mini eco-classes and more. This is a zero-waste event, meaning all waste will be recyclable or compostable. There will be limited parking, so alternative modes of transportation such as light rail or biking are recommended.

Details: 11 a.m-4 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Free. earthdayphoenix.org.

4/22: Earth Day at the Phoenix Zoo

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Learn to reduce, reuse and recycle with conservation stations, a drumming circle, a make-your-own planter and creature features. Also, bring your used clothing, bedding, shoes, and books to the front curb to help raise money for the zoo.

Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 22. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org/event-items/earth-day.

4/22: Peoria Planetpalooza 

Celebrate Earth Day with Peoria at Planetpalooza by getting educated on ways to protect the planet. There will be prizes, food trucks, music and appearances by Peoria’s Planetary Superheroes Desert Defenders.

Details: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Westwing Park, 27100 N. Westwing Parkway, Peoria. Free. 623-773-7133, peoriaaz.gov/NewSecondary.aspx?id=54405.

4/22: Buffalo Exchange $1 sale

A selection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories will be available for $1 a piece, cash only. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of the United States and their efforts to encourage pet adoption.

Details: Three Valley locations, check with individual stores for times. buffaloexchange.com.

4/22: Natural Grocers Way giveaway

Drop by Natural Grocers and receive a free, reusable shopping bag and a plant a seed to take home for your garden. Limit one per customer while supplies last.

Details: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Natural Grocers, 1625 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert. Free. 480-917-9000, www.naturalgrocers.com.

4/22: Recycle Arts and Youth Festival, Surprise

Highlights include an artist’s reception and and the Eco Chic Fashion Show, a creative display of recycled fashion that underscores the importance and possibilities of working with post-consumer, reusable materials. There will be art activities for children, and local food vendors and entertainers.

Details: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, April 22. WHAM Community Arts Center, 16560 N. Dysart Road, Surprise. Free. 480-823-4120, wham-art.org/recycle-arts.html.

4/22: The March for Science, Phoenix

The March for Science will celebrate science and offer support for those in the scientific community. All scientists and fans of anything to do with science are encouraged to join the Earth Day event, which will include food trucks, speakers and more.

Details: 10 a.m. rally, 11 a.m. march. Saturday, April 22. Cesar Chavez Memorial Plaza, 125 W. Washington St., Phoenix. phxmarchforscience.com.

4/22: Chandler Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration

Show Mother Earth some love by attending Chandler’s annual Earth and Arbor Day Celebration. This free, family-friendly event includes live animal presentations, craft, food and beverage vendors and information booths featuring organizations and businesses promoting “green” products, conservation and ways to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The morning culminates with an Arbor Day tree planting dedication in Veterans Oasis Park.

Details: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 22. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler. Free. 480-782-2890, chandleraz.gov/eec.

4/22: Celebrate Mesa

Enjoy games, carnival rides, entertainment and more. Celebrate nature with hands-on interactive exhibits at the Living Green Village. The first 50 youths through the Village get a free $5 wristband for unlimited rides. Highlights include gardening and composting demonstrations, Mother Nature’s story time, tree-hugging booth, solar-cooking demonstration, green living and natural products, water harvesting for your landscape, water and energy conservation, recycled art and more.

Details: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Hohokam Stadium, 1235 N. Center, Mesa. Free admission; $5 wristband for unlimited rides. 480-644-3306, mesaaz.gov/sustainability.

4/22: Earth Day Family Activities

Join White Tank Mountain Regional Park and the White Tank Branch Library in celebrating Earth Day with family activities, games and a nature center quest.

Details: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 22. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. $6 per vehicle. 623-935-2505, www.maricopacountyparks.net/events.

4/22: New River Trail cleanup

Help pick up trash and debris along the New River trail system. The site for this year’s cleanup is just west of Dream City Church. Pre-registered volunteers need to check in by 7 a.m. Onsite registration starts at 6:30 a.m. To volunteer, please complete the online form or contact Tonia Edmundson at 623-773-7764. Closed-toed shoes are required. Water and garbage bags will be provided. Meet at the trail entrance at Rose Garden Lane. Parking is available in the Dream City Church parking lot.

Details: 7-10 a.m. Saturday, April 22. Dream City Church, 21000 N. 75th Ave., Peoria. Free. 623-773-7764, www.peoriaaz.gov/events.

4/22: Scottsdale litter pickup

Celebrate Earth Day and keep Scottsdale “clean and scenic” as part of this Keep Scottsdale Beautiful event. Trash bags, safety vests and cotton gloves are provided to registered Adopt-a-Road groups.

Details: All day Saturday, April 22. Throughout Scottsdale. Free. www.scottsdaleaz.gov/neighborhoods/adopt-a-road.

MORE: Earth Day events around Arizona

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