Have you peered over the New River Gorge Bridge on Bridge Day to see the stunning wilderness below? This Earth Day, in the spirit of keeping that breathtaking sight as pristine and unbridled as it is today for years to come, we're bringing together nature lovers for a weekend of appreciating, preserving and enjoying the New River Gorge.

Join in the fun and make it a weekend with the 10th Annual New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend and the New River Earth Day Celebration!

APPRECIATE

Fall in love with the bold colors of spring as you learn more about each bright bloom. Hike through Grandview, Little Beaver State Park, Pipestem State Park, Babcock State Park, and Hawk's Nest State Park with guided tours for Wildflower Weekend. You can also stroll around the iconic Grist Mill for a birding excursion.

After you've taken in the scenery of the Gorge, enjoy artistic interpretations at Tamarack. Local student work will be showcased, and performers will sing and perform the praises of springtime in the New River Gorge. You can even create your own art in the garden.

Show your love for local businesses by buying foods and crafts from the vendors at the Earth Day festival. Take home growing potted plants, handcrafted jewelry, natural beauty products and more from the market.

PRESERVE

Give back to the Gorge for the visual treats it cultivates for us. Rid the wildflowers of pesky weeds that keep them from thriving at the garlic mustard pull Friday morning. Park staff will help you find the invasive plants and tug them up.

Learn more about taking green practices home with you year-round at the Earth Day celebration booths. Kids can collect stamps for each informational activity they complete, which can enter them into a raffle for great prizes. Adults can win great raffle prizes, too, including outdoor adventures and free meals from local restaurants.

You can also bring used items to the festival for reuse: bring your spring cleaning items in for the swap shop, your unused pantry items for local food banks, and old batteries, cell phones, paper, plastics and metals for the recycling drop-offs. Ask friends and family to contribute, too.

ENJOY

More than pretty, the Gorge is a playground for BASE jumpers, rafters, climbers and adventurers of all sorts. Get the bird's eye from above as you sweep from tree to tree on a zipline, or trace the underbelly of the bridge with a BridgeWalk tour. Get out and try a fun new outdoor activity with your family, or just take time to try different spots to gaze out over the Gorge.

There will also be all sorts of games and contests for everyone to enjoy at the Earth Day festival. Entertainment will liven up the streets, races and games will draw in crowds to play, and the kids will have their own fun zone to jump around in.

How are you celebrating Earth Day?