"Most kids don’t have a clue what wilderness means,” observes Robin Snyder, chief of visitor services at New River Gorge National River, in West Virginia. “Many haven’t been exposed to basic outdoor nature activities.” That’s why the National Park Service annually sponsors more than 57,000 local school and park programs across the country, reaching 2.9 million students each year. More than 810,000 children also are participating in its Junior Ranger program. Many programs reflect First Lady Michelle Obama’s child wellness initiative, with the appropriate twist, “Let’s move outside.”

This year’s National Park Week, from April 20 to 28, centered on Earth Day, will offer free weekday admission to all 398 national parks from April 22 to 26, adding 134 more historic sites, preserves, recreation areas and other sites to the usual 264 with no entrance fee. Earth Day’s 43rd anniversary celebrations throughout America and worldwide will encourage everyone to join in the next “billion acts of green,” aligned with the theme: The Face of Climate Change.

“In the face of unprecedented occurrences of extreme weather, loss of species and pollution, it is clear that climate change is affecting our planet. We cannot afford to wait any longer to act,” advises the Earth Day Network, which posts many ideas for participating at EarthDay.org/takeaction.

Find local park activities by state at nps. gov/findapark/event-search.htm or check a park’s website for upcoming programs. Following are other leading local events that will help citizens of all ages answer the call to go green. 

Local Earth Day Calendar

Pensacola

Earth Day Pensacola Festival
Saturday, April 20
Bayview Park, Pensacola
Speakers include Mary Gutierrez on vegetarianism, Steve Jordan of the Environmental Protection Agency, Katy Westbrook on Natural Pain Relief and Theresa Yankovoy on the uses of basil.

Fort Walton Beach

Earth Day/Arbor Day

Saturday, April 27
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fort Walton Landing
The city of Fort Walton Beach is accepting sponsorship and exhibitor applications for the event.
Find applications at.fwb.org. For more information, call 850-833-9927, or email [email protected].

South Walton

Fifth Annual Walton County Earth Day Festival & 5K Race

Saturday, April 20
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Those interested in having a booth at this year’s event and/or becoming a sponsor should email [email protected]. To register for the Earth Day Sunset 5K Race, visit Active.com/running/santa-rosa-beach-fl/earth-day-sunset-5k-2013. For more information, call Brooke Saari at 850-685-7359.

Panama City

Earth Day Bay County

Saturday, April 20, 2013
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
McKenzie Park, Panama City
All interested green-minded environmental folks, food vendors, craftspeople, artists, builders, contractors, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, musicians, healers, massage therapists, and modern-day wizards, are welcome to participate in this year's Earth Day Bay County 2013.

Mobile

Earth Day Mobile Bay

Saturday, April 27
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fairhope Pier Park, Fairhope
This is Alabama’s largest Earth Day celebration honoring the Earth and the beautiful Mobile Bay. The 43rd annual event hosts more than 100 environmental displays. Highlights include a children’s parade, educational activities, environmental film festival, electronics recycling and live entertainment throughout the day. Free BRATS shuttle service provided from Big Lots parking lot on North Greeno Road. For more information, call 702-496-5050 or visit EarthDayMobileBay.org.