Hikes and plants and critters, oh my! Plenty of options to celebrate Earth Day in Delaware

With more than 150 miles of trails, 381 miles of coastline and 26,000 acres of state parks, there are plenty of places for Delawareans to connect with Mother Nature to celebrate Earth Day on April 22.

To find a fun and environmentally minded way to celebrate our planet this weekend, check out these events being held throughout the First State:

Saturday

Trap Pond State Park invasive plant removal

When: 9 to 11 a.m.

Where: Trap Pond State Park campground, 33587 Baldcypress Lane, near Laurel

Tips: Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants and bring water

For more: Contact Will Koth at (302) 875-5163, (302) 245-5079 or William.Koth@state.de.us

Down to Earth hike at Cape Henlopen

When: 11 a.m.

Where: Cape Henlopen State Park, 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, near Lewes

Tips: For ages 7 and older with an adult

For more: Preregister by calling (302) 645-6852 or contact Richard Julian at (302) 233-4107 or Richard.Julian@state.de.us

Native seedling potting at St. Jones Reserve

When: 9 a.m. to noon

Where: Visitor center at St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Road, near Dover

For more: Contact Maggie Pletta at (757) 894-8499 or Margaret.Pletta@state.de.us

Volunteer day at Lums Pond

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Boathouse in Area 2 at Lums Pond State Park, 1068 Howell School Road, Bear

For more: Preregister by calling (302) 368-6989

Party for the Planet: Earth Day Celebration at Brandywine Zoo

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where:Brandywine Zoo, 1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington

For more: Contact Jacque Williamson at (302) 571-7850, ext. 209; (302) 538-0413; or Jacque.Williamson@state.de.us

Auburn Heights Save Our Woodlands conservation project

When: noon to 2 p.m.

Where: Auburn Valley Trail Parking Lot, Benge Road, from 3000 Creek Road, Yorklyn

Tips: Bring garden gloves

For more: Call Kathy Dempsey at (302) 239-5687

Sunday

Earth Day hike at Trap Pond

When: 3 p.m.

Where: Meet at the Nature Center at Trap Pond State Park, 33587 Baldcypress Lane, near Laurel

For more: Contact Will Koth at (302) 875-5163, (302) 245-5079 or William.Koth@state.de.us

Mulch Madness at Killens Pond

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Nature center at Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Road, near Felton

Tips: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring something to drink

Earth Day tree planting ceremony and hike at Killens Pond

When: 1 to 3 p.m.

Where: Nature center at Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Road, near Felton

For more: Contact Jeff Moore at (302) 284-4299, (302) 450-6215 or Jeffery.Moore@state.de.us

Garlic mustard conservation project at Brandywine Creek

When: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Nature center at Brandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Road, near Centreville

Tips: Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and clothes that can get dirty and bring water to drink

For more: Contact Van Adams at (302) 222-0063 or van.adams@state.de.us

Earth Day of Service at White Clay Creek

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: White Clay Creek State Park Carpenter Recreation Area, 880 New London Road, near Newark

Tips: Sen. Tom Carper and Shawn Garvin, secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, will speak at the bandshell before volunteer projects begin.

For more: Contact Van Adams at (302) 222-0063 or van.adams@state.de.us

Earth Day hike at Lums Pond

When: 11 a.m.

Where:Lums Pond State Park, 1068 Howell School Road, near Bear

For more: Contact  Angel Burns at (302) 368-6989, (302) 893-2413 or Angel.Burns@state.de.us

Earth Day hike at Brandywine Creek

When: 1 p.m.

Where: Brandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Road, near Centreville

For more: Contact Lisa Watt at (302) 655-5740, (302) 242-1094 or Lisa.Watt@state.de.us

Creeks and Critters and Auburn Heights

When: 1 p.m.

Where: Auburn Heights Preserve, 3000 Creek Road in Yorklyn; at the Auburn Valley Trail parking lot on Farm Lane off Benge Road

Tips: Participants will get wet, so wear and bring appropriate clothing, shoes and a towel; registration is $5 per person by calling (302) 239-5687.

For more: Contact Aaron Ferguson at (302) 239-5687, (812) 374-2916 or Aaron.Ferguson@state.de.us

Contact reporter Maddy Lauria at (302) 345-0608, mlauria@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @MaddyinMilford.