How to Celebrate Earth Day on the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is known around the world for its unique ecosystems, beautiful beaches, and abundant wildlife that bring thousands of visitors to these shores annually (and encourage just as many to make this their permanent home). Earth Day is about celebrating nature and learning new ways to help preserve everything that makes our natural world special. Every April, the Outer Banks comes alive with the warming weather, the coming of spring, and the spirit of sustainability and stewardship in honor of Earth Day. From beach cleanups to fairs, markets, and more, there's no better place to spend your time connecting with nature and making a positive impact on the environment. For locals and guests alike, Earth Day on the Outer Banks is a unique blend of education, adventure, and advocacy that everyone can enjoy all month long!
Earth Day Events on the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks comes alive during spring with plenty of fun events to help make your time on the Outer Banks unforgettable. Check out Spring Events on the Outer Banks here and check out some of the special Earth Day events on the Outer Banks below.
Ocracoke Earth Day Weekend
April 11-13, 2025 - Come celebrate Earth Day on the Outer Banks with Ocracoke Alive's Second Annual Ocracoke Earth Day Weekend Celebration! Get ready to enjoy a wide variety of shows, classes, crafts, nature works, and a beach litter pick-up. The weekend's events will also conclude with a community beach bonfire - with smores! There's also going to be square dancing, music, and a documentary screening, so get ready to celebrate on the island!
Surfrider Foundation Spring Beach Cleanup
April 13, 2025 - Kitty Hawk Kites is partnering with Surfrider Foundation Outer Banks Chapter to host a series of beach cleanups this season. Participants will meet at the Soundside Rd. public sound access on April 13 from 4:00PM to 5:00PM. Once volunteers have checked in, they will receive gloves and cleanup bags, and will be free to clean up a stretch of beach of their own choosing. All participants will be encouraged to use the Marine Debris Tracker app to log the trash they have picked up.
Soundside Spring Market
April 19, 2025 - Building on the momentum created by their predecessors: The Dowdy Park Market, The First Flight Market, The Secotan Market, and the Muse OBX Markets, our Soundside Market will provide another amazing opportunity for supremely talented local artisans and makers to get in front of their clientele to share their wares, their stories, and their spirit with Outer Banks visitors and locals alike. Come celebrate the environment and the Outer Banks by soaking up the sunshine and supporting local businesses! View more details about this event.
'Sweep the Beach' Trash Art Contest
April 21-22, 2025 - Kitty Hawk Kites is teaming up with Dare Arts Council to create the Outer Banks ‘Sweep the Beach’ Trash Art Contest! In conjunction with Earth Day, they're asking artists to create work from the trash they have collected from our beaches and sounds. After submission, the artwork will be placed on our TrART Walk at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing. Submissions will be placed on (or around) March 30th. Until April 21st, pieces will be adjudicated and voted on for varying prize categories. Select pieces will be collected and moved to Jockey’s Ridge State Park for Earth Fair OBX, April 22nd, where winners will be announced at the Kitty Hawk Kites booth in Jockey’s Ridge State Park parking lot at 3:45 pm. Submissions are being accepted at the Kitty Hawk Kites store in Nags Head at Jockey's Ridge Crossing from March 1st to March 30th! View more details about this event.
Earth Fair OBX
April 22, 2025 - Make your way to Jockey's Ridge State Park and celebrate Earth Day with the Coastal Environmental Educators Network! This annual event takes place at the Jockey's Ridge State Park visitor center and is a free event that focuses on environmental education, conservation, and more! Bring the whole family to celebrate the beauty of nature on the Outer Banks and hear from multiple Outer Banks organizations who are working together to preserve the fragile ecosystems on the Outer Banks. You can also participate in the judging for the 'Sweep the Beach' Trash Art Contest being held by Kitty Hawk Kites and the Dare Arts Council. Be sure to bring the whole family and get ready for a fun, unforgettable day enjoying the great outdoors!
Sustainable Beach Tourism
Part of celebrating Earth Day is ensuring that every part of our lives - including our vacations - help support, renew, and protect the local environment. Here are some ways that you can practice sustainable beach tourism while visiting the Outer Banks! And check out our blog for more ideas on how to make your next Outer Banks vacation a little greener!
Support Local and Sustainable Dining Practices
Support local businesses that prioritize sustainability. Many OBX eateries partner with local fishermen and farmers, ensuring the seafood on your plate is responsibly caught and the produce is harvested close to home.
Engage in Low-Impact Outdoor Activities
Opt for activities with a low environmental impact that allow you to immerse yourself in the region's natural wonders while minimizing harm to the natural world. Find out more here.
Embrace Responsible Beach Practices
Simple actions like packing up all your trash and taking it with you, using designated walkways to protect fragile dunes, and filling in any holes dug in the sand can make a big difference in maintaining the shoreline. Respecting local wildlife by observing from a distance and refraining from feeding animals helps keep ecosystems balanced and wildlife safe. Opt for eco-friendly sunscreen to protect marine life and always follow "Leave No Trace" principles to ensure the beach remains clean and welcoming for generations to come.
Support Local Conservation Efforts
Organizations like the Corolla Wild Horse Fund and N.E.S.T. (Network for Endangered Sea Turtles) work tirelessly to safeguard the region’s unique wildlife, while groups like the Surfrider Foundation focus on preserving clean beaches and healthy oceans. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread awareness, your support fuels projects that protect fragile ecosystems, rescue endangered species, and help keep our beaches clean.
Environmentally Friendly Adventures
There are plenty of opportunities to have an environmentally friendly eco-adventure during your next Outer Banks vacation. Here are some of our favorite ways to to explore the great outdoors on the Outer Banks.
Wildlife Watching
Taking a trip to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge or exploring the Cape Hatteras National Seashore for a birdwatching adventure is a fantastic low-impact way to support local refuges and parks while engaging with the environment! Jockey's Ridge State Park is also a great option for listening to bird calls, catching a glimpse of a fox, or simply finding ways to coexist with some of the Outer Banks' amazing flora and fauna.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Heading out onto the tranquil waters of the sound gives you the chance to discover the beautiful marshlands and ecosystems first-hand, without leaving an impact on the environment! Check out Kitty Hawk Kites for rentals or a guided tour to tell you all you need to know about the wonderful place that we call home!
Hiking and Biking
It's time to hit the trail during your next vacation! Support the local parks, refuges, and preserves by checking out a hiking or biking trail. Check out our guide to Outer Banks hiking destinations for all the information you could ever need for your next OBX hiking adventure.
How Does Seaside Vacations Support the Environment?
At Seaside Vacations, we’re passionate about preserving the natural beauty of the Outer Banks through our Seaside Cares charitable giving campaign. We proudly support the Corolla Wild Horse Fund as a Community Cares Partner with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, helping to protect the iconic wild horses that roam our shores, ensuring future generations can witness these majestic creatures. See the press release here for more information about our partnership with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. Our partnership with N.E.S.T. (Network for Endangered Sea Turtles) aids in the rescue and protection of vulnerable sea turtle populations, safeguarding their nesting grounds along our beaches. Additionally, we organize local beach cleanups and volunteer initiatives, empowering our community and guests to take part in protecting our fragile coastal environment. Through these efforts, we strive to make a lasting impact, honoring the unique ecosystem we’re lucky to call home. Find out more about our charity work through Seaside Cares here and here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Earth Day?
Earth Day is observed annually on April 22nd.
How can I participate in a beach cleanup?
Check with local organizations like the Surfrider Foundation or N.E.S.T. for cleanup schedules and volunteer opportunities.
What should I bring to an Earth Day event?
Pack reusable water bottles, eco-friendly sunscreen, and a bag to collect trash if participating in a cleanup.
What wildlife can I expect to see on the Outer Banks?
Depending on the season, you might spot dolphins, sea turtles, wild horses, and a variety of shorebirds. View more on our blog here!
How can I celebrate Earth Day year-round?
There are several ways to celebrate Earth Day throughout the year!
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Reduce Plastic Use: Bring reusable bags, water bottles, and straws wherever you go.
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Join Conservation Efforts: Participate in beach cleanups or donate to local environmental organizations.
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Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Many Outer Banks vacation rentals are adopting greener practices. Check out our homes that offer EV chargers!
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Shop Local: Support farmers' markets and artisans who use sustainable practices. Be sure to check out the Soundside Spring Market sponsored by Seaside Vacations! And check out the other farmers' markets on the Outer Banks here.
Embrace the Spirit of Sustainability with Seaside
Earth Day on the Outer Banks is more than a single-day event — it’s a reminder of our responsibility to protect this coastal paradise. Whether you’re exploring nature, giving back to the community, or simply soaking in the beauty of the shoreline, every action counts toward a healthier planet. Let the Outer Banks inspire you to make every day Earth Day.
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next unforgettable adventure to the Outer Banks. There so much to do and see. With amazing food and drinks, exciting excursions, and plenty of sand for everyone to relax, there's something for everyone here on the Outer Banks.
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About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, history professor, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
