Spring has sprung with warm days, birds a-tweeting, April showers and maybe even a little hay fever. We are all grateful to Mother Earth for releasing us from the icy bonds of winter. What better way to say thank you than to celebrate Earth Day?

There are a number of great events happening downtown in honor of Earth Day. Do Earth Day, urban style. 

Earth Day at the Ohio Statehouse
April 19, noon - 1 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Statehouse will celebrate Earth Day by offering a no-cost fossil tour on Capitol Square. The tour departs from the Map Room and will explore the building stones that make up the Ohio Statehouse and Senate Office Building. The tour will be conducted by Dale M. Gnidovic, curator of the OSU Orton Geological Museum and Mike Angle, assistant division chief at ODNR Division of Geological Survey. Though there is no cost to attend, RSVP to Luke Stedke at lstedke@csrab.state.oh.us or 614.728.2130.

Earth Day Rooftop Garden Tour
April 19, 1:45 - 3 p.m.
OSU Urban Arts Space
The OSU Urban Arts Space and the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation partner to offer tours of the Lazarus Building rooftop garden the first Friday of the month, spring through fall. Guest will get a 15-minute long inside look at current exhibitions and an introduction to the OSU Urban Arts Space. Then Lazarus Building Manager Robert Turrin will describe the many green aspects of the organization and lead the group up to the beautiful green roof. Special note: high heels are not permitted on the rooftop turf.

Arbor Day/Earth Day Tree Planting Celebration
April 23, 10:30  - 11 a.m.
The Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Statehouse will celebrate Arbor Day and Earth day with a tree planting ceremony on the North Plaza of Capitol Square, culminating with the planting of a Sargent Cherry tree.