why earth day matters
Earth Day brings people together to better understand the relationship between our daily lives and the natural systems that sustain us.
What began in 1970 as a response to growing concerns about pollution and public health has become a global movement focused on education, stewardship, and informed decision-making. Today, Earth Day is less about slogans and more about helping communities connect knowledge to action.
In the Mid-Columbia region, those connections are local and tangible. From the Yakima River, critical to agriculture, regional water supply, and increasingly affected by changing climate conditions, to the shrub-steppe landscapes that define our area, Earth Day highlights the systems we depend on and how they are changing.
At its core, Earth Day creates space for learning, conversation, and collaboration. It invites people of all ages to explore ideas, share perspectives, and take part in shaping a healthier, more resilient future—together.
earth day in tri-cities
The Tri-Cities is shaped by powerful natural forces—rivers, land, and history that continue to influence how we live, work, and learn today.
From the Columbia and Yakima Rivers to the shrub-steppe ecosystems that surround us, our region offers a living classroom for understanding the relationship between people and the environment. These landscapes support agriculture, industry, recreation, and wildlife, while also raising important questions about sustainability and shared responsibility.
Earth Day in the Tri-Cities brings these conversations into a local, accessible setting. By connecting science, culture, and community voices, the event helps translate big ideas into real-world understanding.
The REACH Museum serves as a natural gathering point for this work—offering a space where curiosity is encouraged, learning is shared, and community connections are strengthened.
what to expect at tri-Cities earth day
Tri-Cities Earth Day is a relaxed, family-friendly celebration with something for every age. Whether you stay for an hour or make a day of it, you’ll find hands-on activities, local organizations, and simple ways to connect with our region and the river that sustains it.
FEATURED PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
Join us for a special Earth Day presentation by Nick Zentner, geologist and science communicator, in the REACH Museum amphitheater at 2:00 PM.
Nick is known for making complex earth science accessible, engaging, and deeply connected to the landscapes we live in — including our own Mid-Columbia River region.
This program is designed for general audiences and is accessible for teens and adults.
Community Leadership & Collaboration
Tri-Cities Earth Day is guided by a collaborative leadership team representing conservation, education, and science across the Mid-Columbia River region.
| Jenni Heerink Sustainable Tri-Cities | Steven Ghan Citizens’ Climate Education (retired Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientist) |
| Bill Barlow President, Sustainable Tri-Cities | Pauline Schafer Education Manager, REACH Museum |
This leadership team works in partnership with community organizations, volunteers, and supporters to help guide the vision and learning focus of Tri-Cities Earth Day.
