RICHLAND, Wash. (April 9,, 2026) — The Tri-Cities will take center stage April 18 as more than 50 organizations come together at the REACH Museum for the fourth annual Tri-Cities Earth Day Festival, a free, community-wide event celebrating the region’s connection to science, sustainability and everyday life.
The festival, running from noon to 4 p.m., brings together conservation groups, educators, scientists and industry partners in a collaborative effort reflecting the values and future of the Mid-Columbia region.
Guided by a cross-sector leadership team representing Sustainable Tri-Cities, Citizens’ Climate Education and the REACH Museum, the event has grown into a regional platform for community engagement and shared learning.
Leadership team members include:
- Jenni Heerink, Sustainable Tri-Cities
- Steven Ghan, Citizens’ Climate Education and retired Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientist
- Bill Barlow, president, Sustainable Tri-Cities
- Pauline Schafer, education manager, REACH Museum
“This event brings together the people and organizations doing the work right here in our region,” said Jenni Heerink of Sustainable Tri-Cities. “It creates a space for the community to connect with real issues in a way that’s accessible and relevant.”
A featured highlight is a 2 p.m. presentation by geologist Nick Zentner, a Central Washington University professor known for his PBS appearances and widely followed “Nick on the Rocks” series.
From climate and conservation to agriculture, transportation and clean energy, the festival reflects the Tri-Cities’ role at the crossroads of environment and industry—where these issues are part of everyday life.
The festival is made possible through the support of regional partners, including Battelle, Bechtel, Energy Northwest, Ben Franklin Transit and Tumbleweird, whose investments help keep the event free and expand access to science and community-based programming.
While Earth Day is officially observed April 22, the festival offers an opportunity for the community to come together the weekend prior in an accessible setting.
“This is about connection—to place, to people and to the future of this region,” said Steven Ghan of Citizens’ Climate Education.
Admission is free and open to the public.
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