Durango, a town well-known for its love of the outdoors, will demonstrate that love by stretching its Earth Day 2025 celebrations over an entire month.
Last week, Durango City Council proclaimed April as Earth Month, continuing the local tradition of celebrating the planet in the weeks before and after April 22 – the official day of recognition for planet Earth and all it provides.
“It’s important because it’s getting closer to the acknowledgment that every day is Earth Day,” said Jenny Hill, executive director of the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency.
4CORE is helping organize the events alongside Earth Day Durango leaders Gail Harris and Heather Erb.
Hill said the proclamation of a Durango Earth Month, “shows City Council’s ongoing commitment to the Earth and prioritizing companies and organizations that are advocating to take care of the planet.”
Starting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the annual Procession of the Species parade will kick off the monthlong celebration. The procession will begin on Main Avenue, and participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite species – plant, animal or fungi.
The parade will make its way through downtown Durango, ending at Buckley Park with music, food and a variety of fun activities and learning opportunities. The festivities will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Entertainment will include traditional Mexican folk dances by the Ballet Folklorico de Durango and live music by students of Stillwater Music and the Afrobeatniks.
Festivalgoers can pet goats at the La Plata Electric Association booth, recycle old running shoes with the Durango Running Co., and win prizes in raffles and costume contests.
In the spirit of sustainability, attendees are encouraged to walk, bike or use other eco-friendly transportation to get to the celebration.
- April 15: Turtle Lake Refuge will host a wild edible plant walk at 3 p.m. starting at the Colorado Trailhead.
- April 17: Mountain Studies Institute volunteer kickoff event, 5-7 p.m., at the MSI building (162 Stewart St. Unit A.)
- April 24: SOIL Grow Dome grand opening event, 6-8 p.m.
- April 25: The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango will host religious leaders from several faith-based institutions to talk about how they view their role regarding the earth and climate change. It will start at 7 p.m. at the UUFD building (419 San Juan Dr.).
All events are free. Preregistration is encouraged.
Additional details and a full schedule of events can be found at earthdaydurango.com.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
