Time to officially tip our caps to Mother Nature for her vital role in this mountain playground we all love. If you’re looking to be a little extra mindful of our dear planet this Earth Day, here are a few ways to do your part in Park City.

Opt Outside

Switch off those electronics and opt outside this Earth Day. For those still clinging to winter, take advantage of spring skiing deals at Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, and Solitude, or head up to the Uintas for late season snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Want to embrace the warmer weather? Hit the lower elevation trails. While Park City's south-facing trails may be clear-ish this time of year, avoid rutting out muddy trails if they're still soggy. Try Salt Lake City's Red Butte Gardens Loop, City Creek Park, Antelope Island or escape to Utah’s southern destinations.

Walk, Bike, or Bus Instead of Driving

Okay, not getting in your car might not be the most exciting way to celebrate Mother Earth, but it does have major benefits for the planet and our health. Hopping on one of Park City’s buses is a viable option for most destinations in town, plus it’s free! If that doesn’t strike your fancy, dust off your bike and get ready for a summer of riding (if the weather isn’t cooperating on Earth Day, just pick another day with sunnier skies for a ride).

Go Meatless for a Day or Week

Did you know global livestock production emits more greenhouse gas than the transportation sector? Do your part for the planet by starting a weekly Meatless Monday tradition. It might not seem like a lot, but going meatless for one day has a positive impact on the environment and your health. Frame going meatless not as a depriving yourself, but rather as the chance to indulge in more fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods. There are hundreds of vegetarian/vegan recipes online to draw inspiration from and if you get stuck, check out the veg-friendly options at local restaurants.

Plan Your Garden

It’s still a bit early to put things in the ground, but now’s a great time to plan your garden and start sprouting a few things indoors. Although growing your own veggies (tips here) is certainly a wonderful way to be more sustainable, it’s not the only thing you can do. Planting wildflowers (seeds available at Park City Nursery) beautifies your yard and helps improve water and soil quality, prevents erosion, and provides a habitat for pollinators. If you don’t have your own garden, consider taking a class or volunteering at the Summit Community Gardens.

Attend Earth Day-Related Events

Finally, what Earth Day would be complete without checking out a few events curated especially for the day. Here are just a few happening around town.

• Join Park City Film for a screening of The River and the Wall on April 18 at 7 p.m., a documentary about the majestic borderlands between the U.S. and Mexico which examines the devastating impact a wall would have on the wildlife. Post-film panel with Daniel Olson, DWR Wildlife Migration Corridor, Allison Jones, Executive Director of Wild Utah, and Ralph Hottinger, Save People, Save Wildlife.

• Get crafty at the Swaner EcoCenter from 3:30-7:30 p.m. on April 22 with a day of exciting hands-on activities, art projects, green energy displays, and more. Plus tables from Kimball Art Center, Summit Community Gardens, EATS Park City, Summit Community Power Works, Recycle Utah, and the Natural History Museum of Utah.

• Celebrate Earth Day with food, drinks, live music, and a silent auction during Recycle Utah’s annual Earth Day fundraiser at Wasatch Brew Pub on April 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets, which include dinner and two drink tickets, are $35 for adults ($50 at the door) and $20 for kids over 7 years.

Happy Earth Day everyone!