As you know, South County, Rhode Island, is one of the country’s most scenic locations. Few other areas have the beaches, forests, ponds, and landscapes you’ll find on Rhode Island’s coastline, so it’s worth putting some effort into protecting it.
Earth Day 2023 takes place on Saturday, April 22 and there will be various events held in South County on that date and the days leading up to it. You don’t have to give up your entire vacation celebrating Earth Day, but there are some small events you can participate in if you feel like helping out.
Here’s a look at some of the events you’ll encounter around South County for Earth Day 2023.
Earth Day Clean Up at Charlestown Rathskeller
The Charlestown Rathskeller is one of South County’s most popular restaurants, and it’s organizing a clean-up event the week before Earth Day. On Saturday, April 15, you can visit the Charlestown Rathskeller for its 7th annual Earth Day Clean-Up, an event that sees volunteers tidy the various trails and preserves near Old Coach Road.
The Earth Day Clean-Up starts at 9:00 AM and goes until about noon, and all volunteers are assigned a route to follow as they pick up trash. The restaurant opens for lunch at noon, too, so you can head in after your clean-up for a meal.
URI Earth Day on the Quad
On April 20, the University of Rhode Island will host URI Earth Day on the Quad, a free event featuring student Earth Day projects, games, and free seeds that’s open to the general public. This event will run in conjunction with #NoRamHungry, an event teaching visitors about basic needs insecurity and meal sharing.
Earth Day on the Quad is a great way to explore the University of Rhode Island’s main campus in Kingston while supporting the school’s Student Action For Sustainability group. The gathering runs from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM and doesn’t require registration.
Benefit on the Beach
One of the most highly-anticipated Earth Day events in 2023 is the Benefit on the Beach, a ticketed event taking place at the Galilee Beach Club in Narragansett on April 21. The Benefit on the Beach is like an Earth Day beach party, as it will bring jazz music by Joe Parillo and dance music by Saddle Up The Chicken to the sand, along with a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a pasta station.
The Benefit at the Beach is a fundraiser for the nonprofit All That Matters yoga + wellness as they look to expand their community outreach program offerings. It’s also a great way to enjoy one of South County’s most scenic outdoor locations at sunset while appreciating everything this part of the world offers us.
Tickets to the Benefit at the Beach are $125 each and include dinner and a drink from the bar. The event runs from 6:00 until 11:00 PM, but you can show up any time you wish.
Clean-Up Crews & Brews
On April 22, you can get involved in some Earth Day clean-up efforts with Clean-Up Crews & Brews, an event that will see volunteers cleaning various Westerly Land Trust properties between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM. You’ll register for the clean-up beforehand and then be assigned to a specific preserve in Westerly, which you’ll clean for a few hours.
You’ll be given a token for a free beer from Grey Sail Brewing for your efforts, and the brewery will host an afterparty well into the evening featuring the music of Small and Oates and food from the Vintage After Hours food truck.
Clean-Up Crews & Brews is perhaps the most enjoyable way to spend your Earth Day, and you can rest easy knowing you did your part to help preserve South County.
Earth Day South Kingstown Spring Clean-Up
A final event you can participate in during your South County vacation is the annual Earth Day South Kingstown Spring Clean-Up. This clean-up takes place at multiple locations around South County, including Wakefield, East Matunuck State Beach, the University of Rhode Island, West Kingston, and Barbers Pond, giving you the opportunity to explore while you clean.
The Earth Day South Kingstown Spring Clean-Up runs from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM on April 22, and water and snacks will be provided for you throughout the day. There will also be an afterparty for all volunteers starting at 1:00 PM with details to follow once you register.
Helping Keep South County Beautiful
You already know that South County is one of the country’s top vacation destinations because of its wonderful summertime weather and scenic beaches. However, it won’t stay that way for long if we don’t all do our part to protect it and participating in one of these Earth Day events allows you to get involved.
We all want South County to stay beautiful for the next generation, so make sure you help out and stop by one of these Earth Day events during your vacation.