‘Hains Point Trees’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
Fast on the heels of the cherry blossoms, here come Earth Day! Starting this evening, there will be green events all around town. You can find volunteer activities and fun events through the Earth Day Network, and you can sign up to join a Town Hall in your area through Focus the Nation.

Here’s a smattering of the Earth Day celebrations around town.

Thursday, April 16

Attend Doggie Happy Hour:
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Alexandria, Hotel Monaco.

Join Aveda and Potomac Conservancy for a special cocktail hour, raffle, and specialty drinks, such as the Pink Poodle and a Dirty Water Martini. Benefit for the Potomac Conservancy.

Saturday, April 18

Clean Up the Anacostia River:
8:30 a.m. – noon, at more than 30 sites in the District and Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Help clean the second river in the United States to be so clogged with litter that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified it as “impaired by trash.” You’ll get a free 2009 Earth Day reusable tote bag and can join a party until 2 p.m. at Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Bladensburg, MD.

Spring Sweep Sligo Creek:
9 – 11 a.m., various locations near Silver Spring.

Clear trash from Sligo Creek; if you have ‘em, bring your waders!

Clean Up the Zoo:
DC, National Zoo, next to the Mane Restaurant
8 a.m. – Noon

You’re safe–no pitchfork and elephant presents. Just clean up candy wrappers and other trash. You can also hear about the Zoo’s green efforts and bring electronics and other items for recycling.

‘Elephant tongue’
courtesy of ‘brianmka’

Connect Kids to Nature:
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, Arlington, Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington

Teachers and parents can learn what’s happening in the area of teaching kids outside through this day of presentations, exhibits, and breakout sessions.

Tour a Clean Energy Home and Eat Solar-Baked Cookies:
1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Takoma Park, 7125 Willow Ave.

The notice says this: “Come see solar panels! View electric, biodiesel, and hybrid cars firsthand! Eat solar-baked cookies and barbequed veggie burgers from a grill that burns corn kernels! Test drive a tofu-powered lawn mower! And more!” What could be more?

‘Yum’
courtesy of ‘afagen’

April 18-20

Attend the National Sustainable Design Expo:
Hours vary, National Mall

Meet university student teams competing for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s P3 (People, Prosperity and the Planet) Award and see sustainable designs for alternative energy sources, agricultural applications, green chemistry, green buildings, sustainable water use, and many more.

Sunday, April 19

Join the Big Earth Day Party on the Mall:

Join thousands for a concert with the Flaming Lips, moe., Los Lobos and Dj. Spooky. Also on hand will be EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Chevy Chase, Matthew Modine, Rep. Edward Markey, Majora Carter, Reverend Yearwood of The Hip Hop Caucus and Steve Thomas, former host of This Old House. Then roll on over to the many Eco-Roadshow exhibits. Want to help? CarbonFree DC is looking for more volunteers to staff their booth:

Spring Sweep Sligo Creek:
1 –3 p.m., various locations near Silver Spring.

Clear trash from Sligo Creek; if you have ‘em, bring your waders!

Wednesday, April 22

Walk a Labyrinth on a Green Roof:
3-5 p.m., DC, World Resources Institute

Do “speed dating” on climate change, LEED and green buildings, transportation and water issues, environmental data, and access to environmental information. Tour the model green rooftop and labyrinth, see movie shorts on Earth Day and local environmental efforts, and network away.

Mmm, Massage – Get Green Healing:
4 – 8 p.m., Arlington

For a suggested donation of $10, you can come for a 30-minute chair acupuncture session, a 10-minute chair massage, or both, and munch on healthy snacks. All proceeds go to Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment.

‘massage – ear’
courtesy of ‘artfulblogger’

Make a Toast to Oceans:
5:30 – 8:30 p.m., DC, Darlington House

An “open mic” night, sharing the year’s achievements that help our oceans, coasts, and waterways. (fee)

Celebrate Earth Night:
6:30 p.m., DC, Lima Restaurant and Lounge, lower level

Celebrate the one-year anniversary of Green DMV at this Earth Night fete.

Green Your Apartment or Condo:
7 – 8:30 p.m., Arlington, Shirlington library (Register at awinquist@arlingtonva.us)

Hear from residents who have been catalysts to help their apartment or condo buildings expand recycling, install raingardens or rainbarrels, or reduce energy use.

Friday, April 24

Chant Om for the Earth:
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Arlington, Journey Yoga

Mediate and use the sound of om to chant respect for the Earth. (fee)

Saturday, April 25

See Puppets and Launch an Eco Plan:
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Alexandria, Ben Brenman Park

Buy trees or compost bins, celebrate the launch of the Eco-City Action Plan Phase II, and see the Blue Sky Puppets present Bananas, a show that teaches youngsters the benefit of exercise and good nutrition.

Attend a Family Fair and Recycle Jeans:
11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Rockville

Tour the award-winning Recycling Center, make earth-friendly crafts, and learn about greening your home, yard, and car. Get a free compost bin, and bring your old jeans to be recycled into insulation for houses in areas of need.

Please note: This is not a comprehensive listing. If you know of other events you’d like to add, please tell us in the comments. Thank you–and happy Earth Day to all!