Earth Day 2020: Virtual Events In MetroWest, Worcester Areas

FRAMINGHAM, MA — On Jan. 8, the Framingham Earth Day Festival put out a call for participants to attend the annual event scheduled for April 25. Just two months later, the organizers made the tough call to cancel the event — what would've been its 10th anniversary — due to coronavirus.

"We gave quick thought to rescheduling for some time later this year but that option will not work for us for a number of reasons," the organizers wrote on March 16. "It’s time for us all to focus our efforts on other important things."

The coronavirus situation has only gotten worse since then, and that means Earth Day 2020 won't be celebrated with any large gatherings this year. But like many groups that have faced setbacks due to coronavirus, environmentalists are still planning to celebrate the day on Wednesday — the 50th annual Earth Day — with online classes and presentations.

The Framingham Earth Day Festival is using social media to promote other environmental events happening this spring — and setting its sights on next year's event, tentatively schedule for April 21, 2021.

Here are some local organization hosting Earth Day events this week. All events happen Wednesday unless otherwise noted:

Earth Evening with MetroWest Toastmasters, 7:30 p.m. (April 23). Get a link to join this online event by emailing metrowesttm@gmail.com or calling 508 986-9867

Virtual Earth Day Celebration for 100% Renewable Energy, 6:30 p.m. This statewide event will feature organizers and elected officials talking about the environmental movement. Get a link to join the event on the Eventbrite website.

Free Earth Day Yoga With Denice, 3 p.m. Ascension Marlborough. An online beginner yoga class to celebrate Earth Day.

Earth Day Parking Lot Pickup, 3 p.m., Worcester. A local resident is hoping to organize others to pick up garbage at local shopping centers. Attendees must abide by social distancing guidelines. Meetup is at the Price Chopper, 50 Cambridge St.

Environmental Justice: In Theory and In Practice, 7 p.m. The Worcester Sunrise Movement chapter will host this online teach-in.

Recycle for Causes, 3 p.m., Holliston Lions Club. Drop off reusable household items like clothing and coats. Register here for a slot.

The Earth and The Stars: Dark Skies on Earth Day! Via Zoom, 7 p.m., Sudbury Valley Trustees. The SVT will host an online presentation about light pollution for Earth Day.

What Lessons from the Covid-19 Crisis for the Climate Crisis?, 7 p.m. MetroWest DSA. The local Democratic Socialists of America will lead a discussion about the connections between coronavirus and the climate emergency.

Are you hosting an event you want listed? Email neal.mcnamara@patch.com before the end of Tuesday.