From volunteer road cleanups and guided nature walks in our beautiful preserve, to an edible garden presentation and xeriscape garden tour, Scottsdale has a full line-up of events for everyone looking to recognize our planet.

Scottsdale Earth Week begins on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, and runs through Arbor Day, Friday, April 28, concluding with a tree-planting ceremony to celebrate Scottsdale’s 41st year as a Tree City USA community.

Earth Week is an opportunity to shine the light brighter on environmental topics that Scottsdale focuses on year-round, a press release stated.

Here’s what’s happening in Scottsdale.

Saturday, April 22

Scottsdale Green Expo
8–11 a.m. at North Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador Drive

The public is invited to be part of a rededication ceremony honoring the “Son of Godzilla,” the Scottsdale invention that advanced modern trash and recycling pickup. Bring family and friends to explore sustainability-focused educational booths and learn about the city’s eco-friendly initiatives.

The event includes two art workshops, one focusing on reclaimed materials and another on naturally dyed creations. Don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle to fill up at the Scottsdale Water trailer.

Spring Citywide Adopt-a-Road Cleanup
Various times and locations

In partnership with Keep Scottsdale Beautiful, the city is hosting a citywide Adopt-a-Road cleanup Saturday, April 23. The city provides safety vests and litter bags, and removes filled litter bags promptly after each organized cleanup if notified prior.

Lifecycle of the Saguaro Guided Walk
7:30–9:30 a.m. at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road

Native only to the Sonoran Desert, these giant cacti are sights to see. Join the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy steward guides to follow the growth of a Saguaro from seed to skeleton and view multi-armed, old saguaros. This easy hike covers one mile on the Jane Rau Trail.

Sunday, April 23

Nature as Therapy Guided Walk
7:30–9:30 a.m. at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road

Learn why time in nature makes us happier, healthier and more creative. During an easy two-hour walk at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy steward guides will teach you how to use nature as a prescription to improve your overall well-being.

Monday, April 24

Hike with a Natural Resources Coordinator
7–9 a.m. at Pima Dynamite Trailhead, 28777 N. Pima Road

Spend one to one and a half hours on an easy hike with natural resources coordinators for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve as they share their knowledge about the preserve and the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.

Tuesday, April 25

Hike with a Natural Resources Coordinator
6 a.m. at Saguaro Loop, Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Parkway

Spend one to one and a half hours on an easy hike with natural resources coordinators for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve as they share their knowledge about the preserve and the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.

Xeriscape Garden Tour
1 p.m. at Xeriscape Garden at Chaparral Park, 8111 E. McDonald Drive

Come on a tour with the city’s arborist, plant expert and irrigation specialist to learn about the fundamentals of an efficient Arizona garden and how growing desert-friendly plants can be beneficial in your own yard. The tour is limited to the first 30 people. This is an outdoor walking tour; appropriate footwear and environmental protection (hat, sunscreen, water) are encouraged.

Wednesday, April 26

Hike with a Natural Resources Coordinator
7–9 a.m. at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Road

Spend one to one and a half hours on an easy hike with natural resources coordinators for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve as they share their knowledge about the preserve and the wonders of the Sonoran Desert.

Thursday, April 27

Earth and Arbor Day ArtWalk
6:30–9 p.m. at Scottsdale Art District

Enjoy a beautiful evening perusing the Scottsdale Arts District. Stroll along Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard and north of Indian School Road on Marshall Way to 5th Avenue, listening to live music, sampling refreshments and more. Participating SGA member galleries will showcase sustainable art practices and works.

Rewilding your gardens and landscape with Joan Baron
6–7:30 a.m. at Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road

Environmental artist and master gardener Joan Baron invites the public to a lively, hands-on experience around food and wildflowers. Learn about sustainable practices for year-round success. Walk-ins are welcome.

Bike to Work or Wherever Day
6:30–9 a.m. at various locations

Scottsdale encourages the public to take this opportunity to go for a nice bike ride with free t-shirts, stickers and breakfast snacks. For more information, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “Bike Month.”

Friday, April 28

Arbor Day Celebration
8 a.m. at Chaparral Park, 5401 N Hayden Road (south end of the park near the lake)

Scottsdale is proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA community for the 41st year ­— more times than any other Arizona community, according to a press release. Mayor David Ortega will read the Arbor Day proclamation and there will be a tree-planting ceremony. Read more about the Arbor Day Foundation and the criteria to be a Tree City.

Thank you to the Scottsdale Garden Club, Daughters of the American Revolution Major Winfield Scott Chapter and SRP for donating trees.

Tips for celebrating Earth Week

If you plan to attend one of the guided walking tours, be prepared for the heat. Bring ample water and wear sunscreen, a hat and light-colored clothing that covers your skin.

Learn more about ongoing Sustainable Scottsdale initiatives and consider making changes to reduce your impact on the environment:

• Conserve water by replacing grass with xeriscape or installing a “smart” irrigation controller.
• Properly dispose of electronics by taking advantage of free Electronics Recycling Days.
• “Know before you throw” — use the Recycle Right Wizard search tool to find out if you should recycle, compost or dispose of common household items.
• Protect our pollinators that play a critical role in our ecosystem.
• Check out Scottsdale Public Library to see what fun and educational activities they are hosting throughout April, including how to turn two-liter soda bottles into terrariums and Citizen Science kits.

Need more ideas? Earthday.org has a list of 52 actions and tips to make a difference every day of the year.