April is Earth Month, a time when people of all faiths and backgrounds come together to honor and protect our shared home. As many congregations host special events and activities throughout this month, caring for Creation can start right where you are — at home, in your everyday choices.

Folks who attended Dr. Doug Tallamy’s “Nature’s Best Hope” presentation at Bright Side Baptist Church on March 15th left inspired by his message that we all have the power to transform our spaces into havens of biodiversity. His message resonates with us throughout Earth Month, as this year Earth Month beautifully overlaps with National Gardening Day on April 14th, offering the perfect reminder that small seeds can grow into something powerful. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a sunny windowsill, there are many simple, tangible ways to live out your values and deepen your connection to the Earth. 

Whether it’s National Gardening Day luring you to your yards and planter boxes, or just the joy of the warmer, longer days, Earth Month is the perfect time to notice the life that fills your yard and your neighborhood. There are plants budding and in bloom, while birdsong is renewed and pollinating insects are rushing to take advantage of the sudden bounty of Creation. This is the time of year when Dr. Tallamy says his yard hosts dozens upon dozens of species of migrating birds, stopping to feast on the insects that his native plants attract. Does something like this happen in your yard? Or maybe a neighborhood park? When you’re out, notice the plants you see that the bumblebees and beetles and butterflies love; are they plants you could use in your garden? Or consider a favorite butterfly or moth that you don’t see around your yard; can you learn what plants it uses? Immerse yourself in the abundance, beauty, and wonder of Creation that unfolds before us at this time of year; and let Creation inspire you to bring some of that abundance, beauty, and wonder into your own lives. 

Likewise, on Friday, March 21st, IPC and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources were welcomed into the Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB) to give away tree seedlings in celebration of Ramadan. This collaboration brought over 1,000 native trees to the ISB community, including blackhaw vivarium, flowering dogwood, long-leaf white pine, sycamore, and tulip poplar trees. These tree saplings were taken home and planted across the Greater Baltimore area, and as they grow over the years, will provide cooling shade to many in their communities. 

Planting a tree is a simple yet powerful way to care for the earth during Earth month and beyond. This Earth Month, adding a tree to your landscape or participating in a local planting is a wonderful way to take action for generations to come. (Marylanders can utilize this coupon from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to get $25 off a tree of $50 or more at a participating nursery.)

There are countless ways to honor Earth Month right at home, no matter your space or schedule. You might plant native flowers or vegetables to support pollinators and nourish your family, inspired by the work of Dr. Tallamy. You could take it one step further, composting kitchen scraps to reduce food waste and return nutrients to the soil. Likewise, you can swap chemical-based cleaners for natural alternatives to protect your local waterways. You can also commit to using less plastic, installing a rain barrel, or building a birdhouse that supports native birds. Every small action is a prayer for the Earth — a way of living out your faith with care, intention, and hope.

Regardless of how you choose to live out your faith this Earth Month, IPC is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’d like help getting a Green Team started or are thinking about starting a garden at your congregation, we’re here to help! Your regional outreach coordinator is only an email away.