It has become an event that most eco-friendly Dallasites look forward to each April. Earth Day Texas founder Trammell S. Crow says that this year’s Dallas festival on April 22 is poised to be bigger and better than ever.
“This year we will claim our position as a nationally recognized destination where people and leaders from America (and the world) come together to learn about inspiring breakthroughs and solutions that will help us create a more sustainable future,” said Crow.
Earth Day Texas has always provided a fun, interactive space to learn about environmental solutions and initiatives, but for 2016, EDTx is increasing the event’s emphasis on breakthrough discoveries and refocusing on the latest and greatest innovations. Organizers say this will be evident in the exhibitor displays, the speaker presentations, the film series line-up and family activities.
What began as an outdoor event in Dallas’ Arts District will this year feature an estimated 1,600-plus exhibit spaces occupying 750,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor exhibit space in Fair Park. As the leading annual environmental expo and forum, EDTx will offer something for everyone, including programs and activities appealing to a wide range of knowledge levels and interests. From the aspiring eco-curious to the sustainability-conscious nature lover to the socially-aware world citizen with a love of learning, attendees will experience unparalleled excitement and enthusiasm for sustainability and conservation from their moment of arrival.
Earth Day Texas was established in 2011 by Crow, originally called Earth Day Dallas. These days, it has grown to become the largest annual environmental exhibition and programming initiative in the world. This will be the sixth annual Earth Day Texas event and attendees can expect new partnerships and updates on favorite programming from previous years. For the first time, EDTx will offer an extensive selection of beer and food from the most sustainability-minded epicureans and breweries. EDTx will unveil an exciting new partnership with Untapped Beer Festival and Savor Dallas, two of the region’s most celebrated festivals of food, beer, wine, spirits and live music. Untapped Beer Festival and Savor Dallas will create sustainable eateries and beer gardens exclusively for EDTx attendees.
“Earth Day Texas believes that the future is bright,” said Jillian Mock, Communications Associate for EDTx. “We’re tired of the apocalyptic narratives and are ready to build a better world. This is really the only event where you can come and interact with some of the most exciting innovations and brightest minds making that future possible. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s a lot of fun. You will learn, yes, but it’s also a diverting and relaxing way to spend a weekend.”
How Oak Cliff Celebrates Earth Day
On Sunday, April 10, from noon to 5 p.m., Lake Cliff Park will be the site of this year’s Earth Day Festival in Oak Cliff. Oak Cliff Earth Day, which began in 2007, is an annual community event with an emphasis on nature, the majesty of the Earth and overall awareness. The first Earth Day, held in 1970, was all about bringing awareness to environmental issues. The Oak Cliff Earth Day website says, “Each year the Oak Cliff community comes together to observe this global holiday.” The event is free and there will be a variety of vendors selling local and handmade goods as well as food trucks and an Oak Cliff Earth Day art contest for K-12 students.
Cedar Hill Goes Green
The City of Cedar Hill will host two major Earth Day events in April according to Cedar Hill Public Relations Manager Corky Brown. On April 11, the city will celebrate Earth Fest at the Cedar Hill Government Center. April 22 to 24 there will be multiple booths at Earth Day Texas representing the city, Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center and Cedar Hill State Park.
Flower Mound’s Spring Trash Off and Environmental Fair
Flower Mound’s Trash event on April 2 starts with registration at 8:30 a.m. in the Home Depot parking lot where organizers will be handing out supplies to volunteers and sending them to various areas in Flower Mound (parks, trails, creeks, roadways) to clean up trash/recycles. Volunteers then bring back their findings and are provided lunch, where they can also take part in the city’s Environmental Fair. This year’s fair will be feature the Native Plant Society of Texas Plant Sale with more than 1,000 plants that include more than 60 species. In addition, the event will offer kids activities including a climbing wall, inflatable slide and booths promoting positive environmental/healthy practices (indoor and outdoor). Shred-It will be providing free document shredding to residents of Flower Mound.
Coppell’s Earth Festival
Head to Coppell’s Town Center Plaza on April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the city’s Earthfest. An event aimed at educating the community on the importance of recycling, resource conservation and environmental stewardship, there will also be educational booths, live music, craft vendors and children’s activities.
Fort Worth’s Earth Party
Join the fun and celebrate all things sustainable at the fifth-annual Earth Party on April 3 from noon to 4 p.m. at Magnolia Green Park in Fort Worth. Music, educational booths and exhibits will highlight the event. There will also be information about the city and regional sustainability initiatives and the chance to learn about water conservation, air and water quality, waste reduction and recycling, nature, environmental issues, alternative transportation, healthy living initiatives. And the best part — it’s free!
For more information about all the Earth Day events around the Dallas/Fort Worth area visit www.greensourcedfw.org.