This year marks the 44th Earth Day that’s celebrated not only in the United States but also in 192 countries across the globe. Events are held around the world to show support for environmental protection. Here in Boston, there are a number of events taking place today and throughout the week to celebrate our planet. Below is a list of events you can attend to help make a difference in your community:

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University: Is hosting a number of Earth Day events throughout April and May. The next, The Balance of Nature: Ecology’s Enduring Myth, takes place tonight from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Hunnewell Building. John Kricker, PhD, Professor of Biology at Wheaton College will be talking about his new book that demonstrates how nature is not actually in balance, nor has it ever been in any stage of the Earth’s history. You can view a complete list of the events happening at the Arboretum here. 

Radio 929 EarthFest: On Saturday May 17, the 20th annual EarthFest sponsored by Radio 92.9 and Whole Foods will be held at the Hatch Shell in Boston. Music on the main stage will start at 111:30 a.m. and will feature performances by Neon Trees, The Wailers, Morning Parade, Smallpools and a local group that won a Battle of the Bands contest. The festival will also feature exhibits and environmental displays from New England sponsors to bring awareness and education about different environmental issues effecting the planet.

Boston Shines 2014: Is a team effort project that makes neighborhoods look cleaner and more beautiful. It will take place at local parks, school yards, streets, sidewalks and other public property. Teams of neighbors, business volunteers, public organizations and locals will work together to clear brush and lay down mulch. It is an annual event that will be held for three consecutive weekends starting on April 25th & 26th, but volunteers are welcome to set up their own project. You can register here.

Party For The Planet: On Sunday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Franklin Park Zoo in collaboration with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts are presenting a fun and engaging day to raise awareness for the planet and for participants to learn how to contribute to preserving the Earth. Festivities will include meeting zookeepers, animal enrichment activities, scavenger hunts, entertainment, eco-friendly exhibitors and more.

Annual Earth Day Charles River Clean-up: On Saturday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on multiple sites along the 80-mile river and its tributaries, the 15th annual clean-up will work with over 4,000 volunteers in collaboration with the Charles River Watershed Association to remove litter and debris from the Charles River, from Milford to Boston, in order to beautify its surrounding parklands. Registration is full but you can see a complete list of where the clean-ups are taking place here. Follow the clean-up on twitter at #charlesrivercleanup

Boston Environmental Film Festival: On Sunday May 18th, the sixth annual Boston Enviro-Film Festival will showcase special events in venues across Boston discussing environmental issues and showing related feature films and shorts. The $10 films presented by “e” Inc., will focus on present-day environmental successes, struggles, activisms and investigations about energy and the beauty of the world. You can find the list of the venues here.

Have a wonderful and meaningful Earth Day and enjoy the celebrations!

 Image Via fhdphotos.com