Woodstock will mark Earth Day this year by multiplying it sevenfold.
From April 18 to April 25, the town will host its first “Earth Week,” a series of events that aims to bring together the community’s many environmental efforts.
“I was thinking about all the different groups in this town that are fighting so hard to protect our environment,” Susan Paynter, chair of the Woodstock Environmental Commission, said at its March 18 meeting. “In some cases, they don’t even know the other groups exist.”
Rather than duplicate efforts, Paynter said the goal is connection—and balance.
“We want serious conversations,” she said, “but also a sense of joy, a sense of wonder—and help people fall in love with the planet again.”
Programming will take place across town, including the Woodstock Library, the Comeau Property, and the Community Center. The events will range from educational talks to performances and outdoor activities.
Opening day on April 18 includes a water-themed art show, a children’s eco story hour and a live birds-of-prey presentation by the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center. The afternoon will also feature storytelling by Evan Pritchard and a puppet performance by Arm of the Sea, a Hudson Valley-based performance company
Events throughout the week include guided hikes, a sustainability tour, and an Earth-themed art show at the Mothership Gallery.
Organizers said the week is designed to meet people where they are, whether through discussion, hands-on activities or celebration.
A “Climate Café” at the Garden Cafe will offer space for residents to discuss climate anxiety, while a labyrinth walk at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church will provide a quieter, reflective option.
On Earth Day itself, April 22, programming shifts outdoors with a bark identification walk at Comeau, followed by planting activities and a community gathering at the Woodstock Community Garden. The evening concludes with a dance party at the Colony.
One of the largest events is planned for April 24 at the Community Center, featuring an environmental expo alongside presentations on solar energy, water protection and pollinator pathways. The evening will also include live music and an Earth-themed fashion show.
Earth Week concludes April 25 with a dawn “avian concert” at Comeau, followed by a bird walk, a poetry walk at the Thorn Preserve and a community litter cleanup.
Paynter said the week is as much about community as it is about the environment.
“The community gets to see what a town can do when everybody works together,” she said.
Noah Eckstein is the editor-in-chief of The Overlook. Send correspondence to noah@theoverlooknews.com.