Buds bloom, birds return, and the air hums with the sounds of reawakening. Each April, spring brings a kind of magic only found in nature—inviting us to pause and appreciate the parts of our environment we may take for granted.
Along with it, Earth Month encourages us not only to reflect on the wonders of our planet, but to act.
At the Cleveland Museum of Natural History—and in your own backyard—there are countless ways to celebrate, protect, explore, and deepen your connection to the Earth. Whether you plan to honor the planet all month or only have 10 minutes to spare for an Earth Day celebration, here are 10 meaningful ways to show your love for the place we call home.
1. Dive deep into Earth’s past—and what it means for our future
What better way to celebrate the Earth than going back to the very beginning? Journey through time in the Museum’s Larry Sears and Sally Zlotnick Sears Dynamic Earth Wing, which tells the 4.6-billion-year story of our planet. Trace the Earth’s evolution through volcanic eruptions, tectonic shifts, ice ages, and extinctions—reminders that our planet is always changing.
Learning about Earth’s deep and complex history can help us understand the forces that continue to shape our environment in the present—and the ways those forces impact all living things. In the Sears Dynamic Earth Wing, the rock record also tells the story of life, allowing you to follow its origins from the dust of exploding stars to the first single-celled organisms to the amazing biodiversity that exists today. (And if you’d like to admire our beautiful blue planet from a different perspective, be sure to stop by the Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium.)
2. Get hands-on with citizen science
At the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, our in-house scientists are in constant pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries—but you don’t need to be a scientist to contribute to scientific efforts that benefit the Earth. Through citizen science, also called community science or participatory science, anyone can volunteer to participate in research projects—helping to report observations and collect data that allow researchers to study the planet.
There are many ways to get started—but if you’re in or near Cleveland, an ideal way to try citizen science this Earth Month is to stop by the Museum’s Ames Family Curiosity Center. Here, you can get hands-on with Museum collections, practice making observations, and participate in interactive workstations that introduce some of the methods scientists use to ask questions and make discoveries.
3. Learn about your local wildlife
As Australian wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin once said, “We don’t own the planet Earth, we belong to it. And we must share it with our wildlife.” This Earth Day, consider celebrating your planet by learning about the wildlife that shares your environment. From eagles and coyotes to bobcats, porcupines, and otters, many of these animals can be observed in nature all around you—but if you want to get even better acquainted with them, visit the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden—Presented by KeyBank. Right in the heart of Cleveland, this immersive outdoor space brings you face-to-face with Ohio’s native species.
Each resident of Perkins has come to the center as part of a rescue-and-rehabilitation effort, and none can be successfully released into the wild. You can learn more about these species and their vital role in the region’s ecosystems by attending one of the Museum’s daily wildlife talks, in which our Wildlife Specialists introduce you to the animals and their stories. Then, head indoors to the Natural Areas Gallery for a deep dive into the Museum’s more than 12,000 acres of protected nature preserves—one of the largest living collections of its kind.
4. See how all life on Earth is connected
What do you have in common with a slippery salamander or an enormous elephant? Other species may seem vastly different from us, but we share more connections than you might think. Step into the Evolving Life Wing to learn how all life is linked. You’ll find yourself up close with Earth’s ancient inhabitants—dinosaurs, giant armored fish, and even early humans—and the species that share our habitats today. You’ll also see how tiny evolutionary changes ripple through generations, shaping entire ecosystems.
This perspective helps us see how every choice we make—from what we plant in our yards to the food we eat and the energy we use—can impact the larger web of life. And while this gallery highlights the amazing ways different species have adapted and evolved, the exhibits aren’t just about the variety of species on Earth; they’re also about the connections that unite us.
5. Explore nature in your neighborhood
Step outside your front door, and you’re likely to notice the sights and sounds of nature nearby. Birds chirp, squirrels scurry past, and trees tower overhead. But how can you turn these observations into action?
Apps such as iNaturalist make it easy to transform your nature explorations into citizen science. You can track the species you observe, connect with experts to help you identify them, and contribute useful data to research. If you want to focus your efforts, you can also sign up for specific projects that help to measure biodiversity in a certain area, report sightings of specific species, or help to track changes in ecosystems over time.
6. Visit a nearby nature preserve
Learning about the natural areas in your region—and the importance of protecting them—is a great way to celebrate the Earth this month. If you’re in Northeast Ohio, you’re in luck: The Cleveland Museum of Natural History stewards more than 12,000 acres through its Natural Areas Program. These lands serve as dynamic living laboratories where scientists carry out research, and many are the focus of active conservation efforts. By visiting these natural areas, you can learn about the work scientists and conservationists are conducting to protect our local ecosystems—and explore what you can do to help.
Check the Museum’s calendar for upcoming naturalist-led hikes and see firsthand how we’re working to restore native habitats and protect the species that inhabit them.
7. Combat invasive species
Not all greenery is good for local ecosystems. Invasive plants can crowd out native plant species, reducing food and shelter for wildlife. The good news? You can help.
Invasive species often threaten native plants and disrupt entire ecosystems. Garlic mustard, for example, can spread rapidly and outcompete native plants for the space and nutrients they need to grow. But small efforts by volunteers can go a long way.
Join a local invasive-plant pull, such as the Museum’s upcoming Special Stewardship Workday at Mentor Marsh, or simply learn to identify and remove invasive plants from your yard. You might be surprised how much difference a few hands—and a few hours—can make.
8. Plant a pollinator garden
Whether you have a yard or a window box, planting native wildflowers can help to support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators are essential to more than 75% of flowering plants and over 35% of food crops. According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, that accounts for about one out of every three bites of food you eat. Yet, in many places, pollinator numbers are on the decline due to habitat loss and other environmental challenges.
To support the pollinators in your neighborhood, plant native species that bloom throughout the seasons to provide ongoing resources during the spring, summer, and fall. The National Wildlife Federation has a helpful database for finding native plants based on your zip code. Even a small patch on a balcony or porch can make a big impact—and turn your space into a sanctuary for pollinators.
9. Attend an exhibition that celebrates nature
As you observe Earth Month and Earth Day, don’t forget to spend some time reflecting on the many wonders of the planet. Both humans and nature benefit from efforts to preserve the health of the Earth, and it can help to pause and remember why these efforts matter.
An exhibition can be an ideal source of inspiration—and this month, on Wednesday, April 23, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is debuting a new exhibition called Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
Developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London, this breathtaking exhibition invites you to witness the beauty and fragility of life on Earth through the lens of the world’s best wildlife photographers. Journey across diverse landscapes and get a rare glimpse into the lives of the animals that inhabit them. Learn more and plan your visit!
10. Spread the word
Talking about environmental issues can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to. Share what you’re learning this Earth Month—post your wildlife observations, talk about a hike you loved, invite a friend to the Museum, highlight your passion for citizen science, or share your own Earth Day activities with others.
When we tell stories, we spark curiosity. And curiosity leads to action. You never know who might be inspired by your words or photos—and what ripple effects that inspiration could have. Studies even show that people are more likely to take actions to protect the planet when they hear about them from someone they know.
A Planet Worth Celebrating
The Earth isn’t just our home—it’s a living, breathing story, and one that’s still being written. By learning, observing, sharing, and supporting, we each help shape that story into one of resilience, hope, and renewal.
Visit the Cleveland Museum of Natural History to begin your Earth Month celebration today!
