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Earth Day Denver: Walk, bike, bus, or carpool to Civic Center Park to learn how you can be greener every day. This fair—which is 100 percent powered by solar panels—features many displays and demos including how to start your own garden (check out where to buy your plants this spring), how to compost, and electric vehicle test drives. There will be food trucks on site that make sustainability a priority and volunteers will also be available to help you learn how to properly sort your trash at waste-sorting stations. Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Civic Center Park, E. Broadway Ave. and Colfax.
Recycle and Reuse: Be kind to our planet this Earth Day by dropping off your items at this drive so they don’t end up in a landfill. The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado Center will be accepting items like cell phones and empty hair product bottles to recycle and objects like books and gently used clothing for reuse. If you want to give back more to the Earth, you can volunteer to help collect, sort, and count items that are turned in. Wednesday, noon to 7 p.m.; 1536 Wynkoop St.
Spring RiverSweep: The South Platte River is visited by thousands each year and is the perfect host for hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. The river is also a key source of water for Colorado cities, which is why the Nature Conservancy is hosting its biannual RiverSweep this weekend. Last year, 40 tons of trash was fished out of the river. Volunteers can help with picking up trash, trail construction, removing graffiti, and tree relocation. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Fishback Park, 818 Water St.
Great Colfax Cleanup: Whether you live, work, or drive on Colfax, you’re likely to spot spaces that could use some sprucing up. Help keep Denver beautiful by joining the Great Colfax Cleanup. Armed with trash bags and litter grabbers, volunteers will clean up portions of the “longest street in the USA”, as well as hand out disposable ashtrays and litter bags to help keep future trash off the streets. Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon; Meet at the southeast corner of E. Colfax and Colorado Blvd.
Up with People’s 50th Anniversary Gala: You can help provide educational opportunities for individuals around the world by supporting the fundraising gala for Denver nonprofit Up with People, an international organization that aims to bring people together through service and music. Dinner, a musical performance by Up with People cast members, and a live and silent auction will keep you entertained while you support changing lives around the globe. Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Hyatt Regency, 650 15th St.
To submit your event or organization for inclusion in 5280’s weekly “Get Involved” column, email getinvolved@5280.com.