April is Earth Month, and it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy local parks, while also giving back to the environment. With more than 10,200 acres of green space across the city, including wooded trails, lakes, wetlands, and neighborhood gathering spots, Philly parks offer countless ways to explore nature, connect with community, and care for the landscapes we all share.
All month long, Fairmount Park Conservancy is celebrating Earth Month with free events, volunteer opportunities, and a citywide effort to plant 845 new trees this spring in FDR Park, Cobbs Creek Park, and Fairmount Park. Whether you’re looking to go for a trail run, try paddle boating, learn about birds, dance under the evening sky, or roll up your sleeves to help care for local green spaces, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Free Events
Wednesday, April 1 | 5:45 – 7:15 p.m.
Hit the historic Trolley Trail in West Fairmount Park for a 4.5-mile trail run with multiple pace groups. Whether you’re training for a race or just love running surrounded by trees and history, this trail — twice named “Best of Philly” by Philadelphia Magazine — is a perfect midweek escape.
Second Saturday Hike: Birding Fair Amount Food Forest Tour
Saturday, April 11 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Grab your binoculars and explore East Fairmount Park’s Fair Amount Food Forest with birding expert Troy Bynum of TB Wildlife LLC. Wander the gardens, spot local bird species, and soak up the sights and sounds of spring on this guided nature walk.
Saturday, April 18 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Enjoy free paddle boating on FDR Park’s Edgewood Lake! Kid-friendly binoculars are provided so you can spot turtles, ducks, blooming flowers, and maybe even a great blue heron, the very bird the boats are designed to resemble. Stop by the boathouse for a 20-minute session; no pre-registration or experience needed.
¡Bailar en FDR! Salsa Class + Social Dance
Friday, April 24 | 7 – 11 p.m.
Bailar is back in its sixth season at FDR Park’s Gateway Plaza! Dance your way through an all-levels class with DJ Valentin of Dance Philly, then stay for the social dance. Grab pay-as-you-go bites from Taqueria Morales and enjoy the evening under the stars.
Community Volunteer Days
Saturday, April 11 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Celebrate Philly Spring Clean-Up by rolling up your sleeves in East Fairmount Park. This volunteer session is open to all abilities, with tools and materials provided.
Tuesday, April 14 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Refresh the gardens at the Johnny Sample Recreation Center in Cobbs Creek Park. Tasks include perennial cutbacks, weeding, and mulching. All tools and materials supplied.
Belmont Wetland Community Planting
Wednesday, April 15 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Help plant new trees and care for the landscape in the Belmont Wetlands of West Fairmount Park. Come join this hands-on way to make a lasting impact on this beautiful urban green space, with all tools provided.
West Fairmount Park Earth Day Community Workday
Wednesday, April 22 | 1 – 4 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day where it all began in 1970 — Belmont Plateau! Volunteer to care for native trees, remove invasive species, and help keep the park trash-free. Tools and materials are ready for all who want to participate.
Love Your Planet? Love Your Park!
Earth Month is the perfect time to renew the commitment to Philadelphia’s shared environment, starting by registering for Love Your Park Week. From May 9-17, over 100 neighborhood parks will host volunteer projects to prepare these green spaces for the busy spring and summer seasons. This is a wonderful way to give back to a favorite city park and meet fellow park enthusiasts. Registration opens on April 1. Visit loveyourpark.org to sign up.
Earth Month is Just the Start
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Photos by Albert Yee for Fairmount Park Conservancy.
