Kids and adults alike can celebrate Earth Day with an entire month of eco-challenges and prizes through green|spaces’ upcoming Eco Field Day @ Home. The virtual event kicks off April 15 and runs through May 16, with the goal of connecting Chattanoogans with local resources and organizations, while educating participants in real-world tactics to reduce their environmental footprint.
Registration is now open for families, kids, individuals, corporate teams and UTC students who want to flex their green muscles. Challenges include scavenger hunts, trivia questions, TikTok videos, litter cleanups, recycled arts and crafts and more, where participants earn green stars and are entered to win over 30 individual or team prizes.
While the inaugural Eco Field Day was held in-person, COVID-19 required a pivot to make the event virtual last year, which honored the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. This year, Chattanooga’s sustainability nonprofit is back with an even bigger list of at-home activities and awards. And, planning for a return to the original Eco Field Day in-person event at Miller Park next year is already underway.
“At green|spaces, our goal is to serve as a resource center and connect Chattanoogans with practical solutions to environmental and social challenges,” said Kelley Cureton, director of Programs and Events and the creator of Eco Field Day. “ We design our events and programs to reflect that goal, and what better way to celebrate Earth Day than with a collection of fun, virtual eco-challenges where participants hopefully learn something new.”
Categories for the challenges range from species preservation to food waste prevention, as well as arts and crafts, climate activism and more to suit a wide range of interests.
“We are lucky to have a diverse number of organizations throughout the area concentrating on environmental and social issues," said Ms. Cureton. "Eco Field Day @ Home offers challenges designed by our key partners and sponsors so participants can connect with them and continue their sustainability journey, everyday, not just on Earth Day."
This year’s event sponsors for Eco Field Day @ Home include UT Chattanooga, Tennessee American Water, TN Department of Environment & Conservation, EPB and Unum. Challenge champions include GreenSteps, Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, Ivy Academy, Waterways, Ms Ladybug, NewTerra, Appalachian Carbon Exchange, the city of Chattanooga, and more. Find out more and register for Eco Field Day @ Home at www.greenspaceschattanooga.org/ecofieldday.
For a list of additional Earth Month activities happening around the Chattanooga region, visit www.earthdaychatt.org