Leland to host Community Earth Day Celebration

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Leland is inviting residents to come together for an Earth Day celebration on April 22, offering a family-friendly evening centered on sustainability, conservation, and community engagement.

The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Leland Cultural Arts Center and will feature a variety of hands-on activities, educational opportunities, and local partnerships aimed at promoting environmentally conscious living.

Attendees will have the chance to learn about seed starting and take home a four-cell starter kit filled with native flower, herb, or vegetable seeds. Organizers say these plants are specifically chosen to support local pollinators and contribute to the health of Leland’s ecosystems.

Sustainability efforts will also include a clothing and shoe recycling drive hosted by Carolina Green Clothing Recyclers, which will collect gently used items for redistribution to local nonprofits. The initiative is designed to extend the life of wearable goods while reducing landfill waste.

Several community groups will be on hand to share information and connect with attendees, including We Live Here and the Leland Area Garden Club. Representatives will provide insight into local environmental initiatives and volunteer opportunities.

The evening will conclude with a lecture from Matt Collogan of the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. His presentation, scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m., will explore the history and future of Eagles Island, highlighting its legacy in rice cultivation and shipbuilding, as well as its ongoing ecological importance to the region.

The event is free and open to the public.