In 1969, television news legend Walter Cronkite reported that Chattanooga was the dirtiest city in America. Since then, the city has made tremendous efforts to clean up its image and is now North America’s first National Park City.
This Earth Day, that green spirit will be on full display as grassroots efforts take shape to keep the Scenic City, well, scenic.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is a worldwide day of observance for environmental protection. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin conceived the idea of Earth Day after the 1969 oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. He believed there was a need for participatory environmental activism.
The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970, with events held around the country that inspired 20 million Americans to form demonstrations—which was 10% of the population at the time. The movement has since mobilized over 1 billion people around the world to support environmental causes.
Earth Day continues to inspire grassroots efforts in the form of activism or volunterrism in communities around the world—including right here in Chattanooga.
Downtown
Earth Week Family Kick-off Event
Chattanooga’s Parks & Outdoors Department is hosting an Earth Week Kick-off event at the Walker Pavilion on Sunday, April 19, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. All are invited to create inspired crafts, play games, and partake in Earth Day activities.
Tennessee Aquarium/IMAX Theater
On April 22 the Aquarium’s Education Team will host “planet-friendly activities” at the pavilion behind the River Journey building, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take-home instructions will be available for those interested in supporting biodiversity in their own backyard.
In the afternoon, the IMAX Theater—across the street from the Aquarium—will host a special screening of “A Beautiful Planet 3D.” Produced in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this 47-minute film explores Earth’s beauty and the impact humans have had on it over time, using footage captured by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Showtimes are at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Bonus event: Party for the Planet. On Saturday, April 25, the Tennessee Aquarium invites guests to help pick up trash at the East Lake Duck Pond, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aquarium staff will host hands-on activities to highlight the importance of our local pollinators and include seed and gardening giveaways.
Storytime in the Trees: The Lorax
Head to Renaissance Park on Earth Day for Storytime in the Trees, an interactive reading of Dr. Suess’ “The Lorax.” This classic children’s story follows the Lorax, an orange creature who “speaks for the trees,” in his efforts to prevent a greedy businessman from destroying the Truffula Trees.
Presented by Outdoor Chattanooga, readings will be held outdoors on April 22 at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the grassed area Inner Circle. Each reading will feature colorful costumes and voices to bring The Lorax story to life. No registration required—just bring a chair or a blanket!
Earth Day at UTC
Chamberlain Field Pavilion will feature fun Earth Day-themed activities on April 22, including snacks and swag, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about UTC’s Environmental Studies program as well as the student groups dedicated to green initiatives.
Earth Day flower pressings – The Chattery
On April 22, craft and take home an upcycled work of art at The Chattery. This nonprofit organization provides fun and affordable art learning experiences for adults at their studio on Rossville Avenue. Lin Feagans of Wanderlust and Wolf will lead this 90-minute interactive class from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration is $55.20. No experience is necessary.
Green Steps community cleanups
Green Steps is hosting a number of clean up events during Earth Day week. This local nonprofit and its sponsors invite all to join their community efforts to eradicate litter from trails, parks, open spaces, neighborhoods and more. Volunteers will be provided with trash grabbers, bags, gloves, safety vests, waders, and refreshments. All they ask is that you wear close-toed shoes, long pants and bring a water bottle. RSVP through the following links.
- Tuesday, April 21, 2026
- 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Little Cedar Mountain Trail (Jasper, TN)
- Wednesday, April 22, 2026
- 12 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
- Common House
- Friday, April 24
- 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Rivermont Park
- Saturday, April 25
- 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Red Bank City Park
- Sunday, April 26
- 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Citico Creek
In the wild
Earth Day guided hike at Lula Lake
Lula Lake is open only a handful of days each year, but it’ll be open in celebration of Earth Day on April 22. At 5:30 p.m., take a 3.5-mile guided hike through beautiful Lula Lake Land Trust atop Lookout Mountain, where you’ll glimpse the 110-foot Lula Falls and take in rare views from the Bluff Overlook.
The hike, guided by Lula Lake Land Trust and Outdoor Chattanooga, shows the biodiversity of the property and why it’s worth protecting. Registration is required, but the hike is completely free. However, you must show up no later than 5:20 p.m. to join the tour. It is also recommended that you wear sturdy closed toe shoes or hiking books, bug spray, and an adequate amount of water for your hike.
Earth Day Nature and Art Hike at Stringer’s Ridge
Take a mindful stroll through nature on Stringer’s Ridge this Earth Day. The City of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors and Public Arts is hosting an observational hike from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. that includes forest bathing (being present in your surroundings) and nature journaling. Meet at the Spears Avenue trailhead. If you need a journal, email Kayla Reeves at [email protected] before the wellness hike.
Earth Day: The Art of Nature – Hunter Museum at Reflection Riding
Art will blend with nature this Earth Day, as the Hunter Museum of American Art takes a field trip to the Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center. On Saturday, April 26, enjoy the lush scenery along Lookout Mountain’s western slopes and make pressed flower and nature material collages, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free to attend.
Everyone can make a difference
Even if you can’t join a community event, there are still plenty of ways to steward the environment. Simple steps like conserving water, joining community clean-up efforts, and recycling when possible is effective.
The City of Chattanooga has many initiatives for residents to go green. For instance, the Free Tree ReLeaf program will provide a tree in your yard free of charge to help reduce energy costs, support wildlife, and decrease stormwater runoff. In addition, Chattanooga’s RainSmart Rewards program offers educational resources and financial incentives to mitigate stormwater runoff. Click here to learn more about the city’s green grants and other environmental initiatives.
Chattanooga’s not called the “Scenic City” for nothing. Our mountains, rivers, waterfalls—and seven-state views—are quite spectacular. But remember that our beautiful assets are delicate. It takes efforts large and small to ensure that our area’s natural wonders thrive for generations to come.