In the words of Harriton volunteer Ava Grabar regarding her efforts in 2022, “NarbEarth day is a wonderful opportunity for the youth of the Main Line to gather and learn specific and do-able practices for saving our planet.”
NarbEarth Day planner extraordinaire Patsy Higgins has crystalized the essence of the unique day in the Borough, “It’s a soul-warming day of celebration, meeting old friends and making new ones, relaxing to the cool musical vibes of ‘Grip It and Rip It’ and finding out what’s going on locally to save the earth!”
The 37th Annual NarbEarth Day will highlight a fun environmental fair for children and adults, on Saturday, May 2 from noon to 4 p.m. in Narberth Park next to the Narberth Community Library. The rain date is May 3, noon to 4 p.m.
“Kudos” to Narberth Public Art and the nurturing of viable indigenous art on exhibit organically in the Borough of Narberth. (Photo submitted by Mary Brown)
This free family-oriented happening will feature exhibits and interactive activities promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability, along with foods and artisan goods curated by local vendors.
Higgins continued, looking back “The team of people who work on this day are truly wonderful, hard workers who are dedicated to making the world a better place.”
“We are old and young, many with young children to look after, so it’s a challenge to find the time for the work that goes into putting on this event.”
Notably, NarbEarth Day will yet again be a trash-free event, using no plastic, a genuine source of pride for the organizers.
Narberth residents, community people, and friends are encouraged to ride Amtrak, walk over, or ride a bike, and connect with each other and with representatives from local, regional and national groups, while all in attendance celebrate and promote environmental responsibility and sustainability.
The NarbEarth Day Committee encourages, “Learn different ways you can make change happen. You will hear from local groups such as GMO Free PA, Narberth Environmental Advisory Committee and Citizens Climate Lobby, along with the EPA, the Sierra Club, and prospectively the current representative in Harrisburg, Mary Jo Daly.
Drop by the free stuff “Buy Nothing” tables. Donate or take plants, toys, household goods or gently used children’s clothing.
This annual Narberth event will offer a number of exhibitors such as SHIFT, a women-owned, Narberth-based business which offers eco-conscious goods and services focused on low-impact living.
NarbEarth Day will be held on Saturday, May 2 2026. (Submitted photo)
Based on notes from longtime Narberth resident and founder of Yoga Garden, Georgette DuBois, the first NarbEarth Day planning was started in 1990 by Nancy Lotz, who was then on the board of the Narberth Civic Association, and it was keyed to the anniversary of the original Earth Day, April 22, 1970.
As DuBois recalls, “I probably first worked at the plant swap around 1992 or 1993, which means I’ve been involved for over thirty years!
“I volunteered for a number of years, and then one year when it looked like it wasn’t going to happen, I took on the job of organizing the event, and I did that for several years. It was too important and wonderful to let it go!
“When Patsy Higgins agreed to be involved, she took us to a whole new level of organization, with spreadsheets, extensive notes, and a map of where everything would be set up in the park.
“In recent years, I’ve been awed by the way NarbEarth Day has grown and evolved, and by the amazing, committed volunteers who make this all happen.
“I remember when the plant swap consisted of me sitting at a picnic table with a few plants. Now we have a team of gardeners who come back every year to staff the table, which overflows with donated plants and seedlings.”
DuBois summarizes, “Because we are all volunteers who create NarbEarth Day, we always have a follow-up ‘thank you’ lunch in the park to appreciate all of our volunteers who work on planning for months ahead of time, and those who show up to help on the day of the event.”
Narberth Public Works Manager Jeff Eldon shows off the borough’s all-electric maintenance equipment and vehicles at NarbEarth Day on Saturday, May 4 2024. (Dan Sokil – MediaNews Group)
In anticipation of “now and the future,” DuBois sparks enthusiasm, “We look forward to carrying on for years to come!”
What Makes This Year’s Event Special:
Presented by the Narberth Civic Association since 1991, NarbEarth Day is a free, fun environmental event for both children and adults. This outdoor festival features exhibits, activities and artisan goods promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability. All proceeds benefit Narberth Civic Association community initiatives and help support our FREE NarbEarth Day annual event.
Feasting on a variety of delicious food
Participating in eco-friendly activities and crafts
Listening to live, local music
Buying “pick your prize” raffle tickets for incredible prizes from local businesses and exhibitors
Learning about programs offered by the Narberth Area Garden Club
Brightening up your garden with new perennials from the Plant Swap and Sale
Swapping used toys, household goods, and kids’ clothing
Donating old eyeglasses
Purchasing books at the Narberth Community Library Used Book Sale
Exploring the rich history of Narberth Borough with the Friends of Narberth History
Composting and recycling stations. Help us achieve a TRASH-FREE event!
Very importantly, there are also opportunities for local students to assist in the goings-on: Set-Up, 10 a.m. to Noon; Midday Help, Noon to 2 p.m.; and Clean-Up, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Mary Brown to volunteer for any of the three shifts, mbrown@sju.edu.
NarbEarth Day is presented by the Narberth Civic Association. For more information, visit narberthcivic.org, or send an email to nca@narberthcivic.org.
Please note again, in case of rain, NarbEarth Day will be rescheduled to Sunday, May 3, noon to 4 pm.
Mary Brown is a weekly columnist for Main Line Media News and a Board Member of the Narberth Athletic Association.