Every year on April 22, individuals around the world come together to celebrate and support environmental protection efforts, including those right here at home in the Natural State. This day is a reminder that protecting our planet relies on our actions. This Earth Day, Arkansans will have a number of opportunities to get involved and support environmental protection efforts across the state. With Earth Day right around the corner, we highlight several events and initiatives that Arkansans can participate in across the Natural State.

Little Rock Zoo Earth Day Event

One of the most iconic destinations in Little Rock, the Little Rock Zoo has long been dedicated not only to housing animals for guests to see but also to conservation, education, and community engagement. This Earth Day, the zoo is offering visitors the opportunity to take part in meaningful environmental action.

Throughout the day, zoo guests can recycle their old phones at a collection site near the front entry plaza. Many phones contain coltan, a mineral often mined in regions of Africa that often overlap with critical habitats for endangered species. By recycling their old devices, visitors can help reduce demand for harmful mining practices and contribute to meaningful wildlife conservation.

From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., guests can visit the Pollinator Garden for educational activities focused on supporting pollinators and protecting local ecosystems.

The City of Fayetteville: “Our Power, Our Planet”

From April 18 to April 25, the City of Fayetteville will host a week-long celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day featuring a variety of events designed to promote sustainability and community involvement.

On Earth Day, residents and visitors alike can participate in events and activities throughout the day.

Bike-to-Work Day Energizer Station (7:30 – 9:00 a.m.):

Fayetteville encourages individuals to start their morning with a greener commute. Participants are encouraged to bike to work, reducing emissions while enjoying the fresh air and exercise. An energizer station at the Upper Ramble will have free breakfast courtesy of Einstein’s Bagels, and local experts from Highroller Cyclery will be available to assist with bike maintenance.

Household Hazardous Waste Education Classes and Drop-Off (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.):

Hosted by the Washington County Master Gardeners and the county Cooperative Extension Office, this free event will allow participants to safely dispose of hazardous household materials at a hazardous waste drop-off. As well as learning about household hazardous wastes in education classes, to learn the best practices for waste management.

Boys & Girls Club Earth Day Fair and Cleanup (4:30 – 6:30 p.m.):

Held at Owl Creek Park, this event engages youth in environmental stewardship through hands-on cleanup efforts, with groups of children assisted every 30 minutes to clean the creek and protect local waterways and green spaces.

Waste Diversion Presentation by the Recycling and Trash Collection Division (6:00 p.m.)

At the Fayetteville Public Library, the Fayetteville city staff will lead a discussion and present citywide sustainability efforts.

In addition to the cities’ Earth Day programming, Fayetteville’s Earth Week includes even more opportunities to get involved:

• A citywide cleanup following the Mayor’s Earth Day Proclamation
• Tree giveaways and planting initiatives to support Fayetteville’s urban forest
• Documentary screenings and panel discussions on environmental topics
• Workshops and educational events focused on sustainability and conservation
• Recycling and waste-reduction events, including e-waste and composting initiatives

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Earth Day Celebration

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host a campus-wide Earth Day celebration on April 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Student Commons next to the Donaghey Student Center. This event is open to the public and will feature educational booths, local organizations, and interactive opportunities focused on sustainability and environmental awareness.

City of Rogers: Earth Day Shred

On Earth Day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the City of Rogers will host a free Earth Day Shred Event at Rogers City Hall, giving residents the opportunity to securely dispose of sensitive documents in an environmentally responsible way. Participants can bring paper materials such as financial, medical, and legal documents for shredding, helping to both reduce the risk of identity theft and promote recycling. The event is open to Rogers residents, with a limit of three banker-sized boxes per participant, making it an easy and impactful way for community members to contribute to sustainability efforts.

Arkansas State Parks Earth Day Events

In addition to city and campus-based celebrations, the Arkansas State Parks system will host a wide range of events on Earth Day across the state. Visitors to the state parks can find countless opportunities statewide to engage with the outdoors, learn about the environment, and participate in hands-on conservation. Some of these examples include:

Guided Nature Hikes and Interpretive Programs (Mount Magazine State Park)

Known for its rich biodiversity and scenic overlooks, Mount Magazine regularly hosts interpretive programs. This year for Earth Day, Mount Magazine is doing something special. From 10:00 to 11:00 p.m., Mount Magazine State Park will host a Lyrid meteor shower viewing event, offering visitors a guided opportunity to learn about natural phenomena.

Educational Programs and Demonstrations (Lake Dardanelle State Park)

On Earth Day, Lake Dardanelle State Park will host a program called “Marsh Mystery” from 10:00–10:30 a.m., where participants will join a park interpreter to explore how the Arkansas River shapes local ecosystems. This interactive activity encourages visitors to think critically about how human actions affect marsh environments and teaches them practical ways to help protect Arkansas’s natural areas.

Volunteer Cleanup Events (Mississippi River State Park)

From 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., the Mississippi River State Park will host the “River Guardians Cleanup Paddle,” in which participants will paddle alongside park interpreters to collect litter from Bear Creek Lake. The park will provide kayaks, gloves, bags, and life jackets, making the event accessible to both beginners and experienced paddlers. In addition to removing debris, participants will learn about how plastic pollution impacts wildlife and waterways, combining direct environmental action with education.

Why These Events Matter For Arkansas

Earth Day is more than just a single day on a calendar. Earth Day is a reminder that every action, no matter how big or small, helps contribute to a healthier planet. From recycling old electronics and planting native trees to volunteering for cleanups and participating in educational events, Arkansans have countless opportunities to make a tangible impact in their communities. This Earth Day, join the movement, explore the Natural State’s parks and green spaces, and take part in activities that support sustainability and conservation. Together, we can protect the environment and build a greener future for generations to come.

This article is part of the Engage Arkansas 2026 Civic Challenge. The Civic Challenge focuses on one vital impact area affecting Arkansans statewide each month. In April, Engage Arkansas highlighted the importance of volunteerism and community action. To learn more about Engage Arkansas, visit EngageArkansas.org.

Axton Tackett, April 2026