Representatives from nearly every country on Earth gathered in Paris for the 2015 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the Paris Agreement a triumph for people, the planet and multilateralism. The signing ceremony is set for Earth Day, April 22, at UN headquarters, in New York City.

For the first time, every country has pledged to curb their emissions, strengthen resilience to related impacts and act internationally and domestically to address climate change. Other key elements aimed at achieving a state of climate neutrality, or having a zero carbon footprint, before the century’s end include transparency, accountability and a plan for developed countries to support climate action in developing countries.

“A big part of the Paris agreement focuses on the reduction of gas, coal and oil, but there is also a focus on preserving trees and expanding forests,” says Earth Day Network (EDN) spokesperson Timothy McHugh, referring to this year’s Earth Day theme of Trees for Earth.

This year also kicks off a four-year countdown to the environmental campaign’s 50th anniversary on Earth Day 2020. “By that mark, we hope to have planted 7.8 billion trees—approximately one tree for every person on the planet. Trees are vitally important because they soak up carbon and clean the air,” McHugh explains.

In addition to countering climate change and pollution, EDN’s global tree planting seeks to support communities and local economies, protect biodiversity and inspire environmental stewardship.

From global leaders convening at the UN to those participating in community events close to home, billions of the world’s citizens will celebrate our precious home planet this year. To join the worldwide observance, find an event online at EarthDay.org or participate in one or more of the local events listed here.

The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens – Party for the Planet

9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 2
Party for the Planet, the national Association of Zoo and Aquariums annual Earth Day event, is one of the largest Earth Day celebrations on record. It includes several family-friendly conservation activities at the Naples Zoo.

Location: 1590 Goodlette Rd., Naples. For more information, call the Info ZooLine at 239-262-5409 or visit NaplesZoo.com.

Planet Earth Festival
A Cypress Cove Conservancy Event

1 p.m. to sunset, Saturday, April 2
Presented by Cypress Cove Conservancy and the Responsible Growth Management Coalition, the 15th annual Cypress Cove Earth Fest is a free event featuring organic foods, kayak and canoe rides on Estero River, live musical performances, local art and wildlife photography, kids activities and presentations on nature, conservation and yoga. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to sit on.

The event includes a presentation by Janet Weisberg on Project Nature Connect at 1:30 p.m., followed by a talk from Cypress Cove Conservancy on Preservation of Southwest Florida Lands at 2:30 p.m. Visitors can participate in a Vivasana Yoga for Rebalancing Systemic Disharmony class at 3 p.m. and a drum circle at 5:30.

Cost: $5 for parking. Location: Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. For more information, call 239-777-0186 or visit CypressCoveConservancy.com.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Earth Day Festival

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 16
This festival includes vendors and environmental exhibitors showcasing educational and entertaining family activities. Visitors can enjoy guest speakers, live music, a raffle, an art contest, live animal programs, face painting, crafts and festival food. Activities include electric boat rides, kayak and canoe rentals and walking on the nature trail.

Cost: free for members, $10 adults, $5 children 3 to 12. Location: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, off Goodlette Rd., Naples. For more information, call 239-430-2466 or visit Conservancy.org/events/earthday.

Earth Day to Arbor Day Exhibition to Support Cypress Cove Conservancy

5:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 20
Bobbie Lee Davenport, founder of Cypress Cove Conservancy (CCC), will speak at 6 p.m. at a wine and cheese reception at Arsenault Studio and Banyan Arts Gallery, in Naples. All donations go to support CCC.

CCC is dedicated to purchasing vital natural habitat for wildlife and is raising money to purchase an important 200-acre piece of land known as a crossing for listed and endangered species. The goal is to open a nature center that the public can enjoy with beautiful walking trails and to offer educational programming for children and adults.

Donations accepted. Location: 1199 Third St. S. For more information or to RSVP (requested), call 239-263-1214.

Goodwill Industries Earth Day Re-Use and Recycle Roundup

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, April 21
Goodwill Industries will celebrate Earth Day by encouraging area residents to bring clothing, electronics, shoes, books, household items, computers and cell phones to donate. In addition, Free shredding for residents and businesses is offered by Goodwill Secure Shred and residents can rid medicine cabinets and homes of unused, unnecessary or expired medicines with safe disposal by Drug Free Collier’s Operation Medicine Cabinet. Hazardous household chemicals, rechargeable batteries, paints, used motor oil and fluorescent bulbs are also accepted for collection by Collier County Solid Waste Management.

Location: Goodwill Towne Centre parking lot, 3759 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. For more information, call 239-995-2106 or 239-252-5354.

Celebrate Earth Day at Naples Botanical Garden

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, April 22
This event features free tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Cost: Free for members and children 3 and under, $14.95 adults, $9.95 children ages 4 to 14. Location: 4820 Bayshore Dr. For more information, call 239-643-7275 or visit NaplesGarden.org.

Pre-Hurricane Season Household Hazardous Waste Roundup

8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 23
Collier County Solid and Hazardous Waste Management will host a free pharmaceutical take-back by Drug Free Collier’s Operation Medicine Cabinet; free tire recycling; auto and home products and devices for recycling; free paper shredding by Adera On-Site Security Shredding; and clothing, shoes and books collected by Goodwill Industries for resale.

Four Collier County locations: Ave Maria, 4817 Ave Maria Blvd.; Naples Recycling Drop-off Center, 2640 Corporate Flight Dr., Naples; North Collier Recycling Drop-off Center, 9950 Goodlette Rd. N., Naples; and Marco Island Recycling Drop-off Center, 990 Chalmer Dr., Marco Island. For more information, call 239-252-7575.

Lee County Great American Cleanup

9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 23

Keep Lee County Beautiful recruits volunteers, site captains, area managers and local sponsors to foster unity and strengthen bonds through beautification and improvement efforts across Lee County and is part of the nationwide Great American Cleanup effort. Projects may include community gardens, habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, litter-free events, litter cleanups, landscape maintenance and planting, playground/park equipment restoration and tree plantings.

Location of sites and event dates vary. For more information or to register, call 239-334-3488 or visit klcb.org/great-american-cleanup.html.

Arbor Day and Fruit Tree Sale in Bonita Springs

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 23
This event features plants and fruit trees for sale, along with demonstrations and exhibits.

Location: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St. off Old U.S. 41. For more information, call the Tree Advisory Board Liaison at 239-949-6262 or visit CityOfBonitaSprings.org.

Earth Day at the Refuge
J.N. “Ding” Darling
National Wildlife Refuge

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 23
There’ll be plenty of fun and free family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, trail hikes, guided programs and much more.

Location: 1 Wildlife Dr., Sanibel. For more information, call 239-472-1100, ext. 236, or visit DingDarlingSociety.org.

Gaia Earth Day

2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 24
House of Gaia will host this Earth Day celebration that includes educational activities about gardening, environmental awareness and healthy eating, along with music, art, yoga and local vendors.

Location: 1660 Trade Center Way, Ste. 1 and 3, Naples. For more information, call 239-272-6152 or visit HouseOfGaia.org.