The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, marking the anniversary of the environmental movement in New York City. During that same time, Senator Nelson from Wisconsin announced the idea of “Earth Day” to the media through teach-ins on college campuses. From The History of Earth Day, “Denis Hayes, a young activist, organized the campus teach-ins and chose April 22, a weekday falling between Spring Break and Final Exams, to maximize the greatest student participation” (2022). During the first Earth Day movement, more than 15 million Americans called for environmental protections for the planet. “Because the first Earth Day fell on a school day, whole classes of students planted flowers, swept public spaces, recycled, and protested pollution. The day also engaged New York’s cultural producers: prominent ad man Julian Koenig came up with the name “Earth Day” (because it rhymed with birthday)” (Seidman, 2020). Today, over 190 countries engage in the holiday and 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, celebrations, and movements. 

This year, you’re invited to join those 1 billion people worldwide and celebrate Earth with the Center for Health & Wellbeing during the Ward & Wellbeing Earth Day Block Party on Earth Day, April 22, 2023, from 8 AM – 11:30 AM. Kick-off the Block Party at 7:30 AM by participating in Track Shack’s and the City of Winter Park’s “Run for the Trees”, the 30^th Jeannette Genius McKean Memorial 5K sponsored by CHWB. Then, stay for the Earth Day Expo + Open House that will begin at 8 AM inside the Center for Health & Wellbeing and across the street in Ward Park. Start your day with a Rise & Dine Breakfast from Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen and then enjoy the festivities by participating in extra-large lawn games, a wild animal meet-n-greet, the passport scavenger hunt with giveaways, art projects & face painting, enjoy FREE Kona Ice, explore green vendors, sample fitness classes with Crosby Wellness Center instructors, live music, and more! The Earth Day Expo + Open House is open to the public – race participation is not required to celebrate with us inside CHWB.  

Full Line-Up of Events: 

7:30 AM – Run for the Trees 5K Adult Race (Registration Required) 

8 AM to 11:30 AM – Earth Day Expo & Open House (Free, Open to the Public, No Registration Required) 

Rise & Dine Breakfast from Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen (Separate breakfast ticket required; ticket sales are open now HERE.) 

Extra Large Lawn Games 

Wild Animal Meet-n-Greet 

Passport Scavenger Hunt with Giveaways 

Art Projects & Face Painting 

FREE Kona Ice 

Green Vendors 

Sample Fitness Classes with Crosby Wellness Center Instructors 

8:45 AM – FREE Run for the Trees Kids’ Run 

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Register for the Run for the Trees 5K HERE.  

Purchase a ticket for the Rise + Dine Breakfast HERE.