Earth Month 2021

As we start the second half-century of Earth Day celebrations, BUUF’s Climate Action Team offered its second annual month of family and personal activities for education, action, and productive ways to respond to the existential threat of climate change. You can now watch the recordings of our virtual events on our YouTube playlist.

Join us for a variety of opportunities to learn from experts, volunteers, and each other as we explore the actions we can take to embrace new practices, ethics, and values to guide our lives on a warming planet. Download our interactive Earth Month 2021 Calendar (PDF), with links to all sorts of activities for four weeks (and beyond), starting the week of Earth Day (April 22).

Static image of the interactive calendar
Download interactive calendar

Sunday, April 18, 10am – “Thriving with the Planet” worship service.

April 19 – Plant a Bee Garden: The University of Idaho Extension has inexpensive ideas for Planting a Bee Garden for Pollinators, and Resources for Protecting Pollinators.

Tuesday, April 20 (and follow-up, May 4), “Where’s the Beef: The Road to a Plant-based Diet”
Paula and John Warren have embraced a full plant-based diet for the last 7 years. It didn’t happen overnight and it wasn’t always easy; they share their wisdom as part of our Plant-Based Diet series. Here’s a list of resources for whole food, plant-based eating.

Thursday, April 22, Film Screening: “Kiss the Ground”
Watch this encouraging documentary showing how we can reverse global warming.  The Earth’s soil is the solution. By regenerating earth, we can stabilize our planet’s climate, restore lost ecosystems, and create abundant food supplies.  Narrated by Woody Harrelson. More information at https://kissthegroundmovie.com/; the DVD will be available for checkout from the BUUF library.

April 20-22, visit EarthDay.org to join thousands of organizations as we call on the world to come together for THREE DAYS OF CLIMATE ACTION

Friday, April 23, “Kiss the Ground” Q&A Panel
A cure for climate change starting with a simple solution right under our feet. Q&A with Gisele Bündchen, Woody Harrelson and Ian Somerhalder, plus the filmmakers, farmers and activists behind the regenerative movement. Enjoy an original song from the film by Singer/Songwriter and Agroforestry Farmer, Jason Mraz. We followed our viewing with our own post-viewing discussion (recorded). 

April 25 – Go Greener at Home ideas:

  • After using most of the contents, cut off your toothpaste, hand cream, or other tube 1-1/2″ from the end. Use the rest of the product from the open bottom, and use the cut end as the new cover.
  • Buy your dog a (biodegradable) canvas leash instead of nylon
  • Clean your refrigerator coils; vacuum out the dust, wipe with a damp cloth
  • Replace toxic dryer sheets with wool dryer balls (Roots Zero Waste market)

Monday, April 26 – Meatless Monday (Part 2 of the Plant-Based Diet series):
Vegan Posole Rojo, paired with a unique cocktail, virtual presentation by Chef Michael Alvarado, and Rev. Sara. We’ve got the ingredients and recipes for you to make this meal at home.

April 29 – Sign up for a gardening class, at the Idaho Botanical Garden, Edwards Greenhouse, or Far West Garden Center.

Sunday, May 2, “Climate Justice: What is the Reality and What Are the Solutions?” presented by Tyra Benoit, Climate Reality Leader, former BUUF member.  As we emerge from the pandemic and usher in new political leadership, those who are the least responsible for climate change remain the most affected. Indigenous communities, communities of color, immigrants, and the poor are frequently excluded from mainstream climate debate and the ongoing development of policies and mitigation efforts.  Equitable and bold action is needed now! (This session was not recorded, but Tom von Alten wrote a summary blog post for our website.)

May 3 – Send a postcard to Secretary Vilsack, in support of the transition to regenerative agriculture. (Postcard is in your Earth Month action kit.)

May 5 – Join City Nature Challenge: Using iNaturalist. Collection stage is April 30-May 3; and Identification state May 4-9.

Thursday, May 6, “Carbon Pricing: A national policy solution for climate change”  Learn about the climate change solution endorsed by Citizens’ Climate Lobby.  How would a carbon price fit with climate policies being considered by the new Congress and Administration?  How do we build the political will to bring about urgent national action on climate?  Presented by Linda Rytterager, Boise CCL Chapter Leader and Nancy Basinger, Chapter Member and Liaison to Rep. Simpson [You can see the recording on YouTube.]

May 11 – Sign up for a butterfly count: Call/email for info and confirm: Paul Castrovillo, Ph.D. (208-914-0084), Paul.Castrovillo@isda.idaho.gov

  • Saturday, July 10   Butterfly ID Workshop in the basement of Boone Hall at The College of Idaho in Caldwell
  • Sunday, July 11 Boise Front, July Butterfly Count
  • Saturday, July 17   Seven Devils Butterfly Count in Riggins

May 13 – Write a letter to your Congressman or the Governor supporting breach of the lower Snake River dams. Watch a video about Simpson’s proposals, see sample letters from the Great Old Broads for Wilderness. Contact links: