Be Kind, Love the Earth - NWF Green Hour % %

Kindness rocks are a great way to make someone smile and show appreciation for nature around your home and neighborhood this Earth Day.

Let’s Get Started

Create and Share Positivity

Kindness rocks are a delightful way to spread joy and love for the Earth. By painting and sharing these small, decorated stones, you can brighten someone’s day while fostering a deeper connection with nature.

Find the Perfect Rock. Start by heading outdoors to search for smooth, flat rocks. You can look in your yard, at school, or in a park. Always ensure you’re collecting rocks from safe areas, and if it’s private property, get permission first.

Prepare Your Rocks. Once you’ve chosen your rocks, clean them thoroughly. Wash, rinse, and dry them to make sure the paint adheres properly. A clean surface ensures your designs last longer.

Paint Your Design, Begin by painting a base color on your rock. Let the paint dry completely before adding layers or designs. Use small brushes to create positive messages like “Love the Earth” or images like flowers, animals, or stars. Be creative, but keep your designs simple and uplifting. To protect your artwork, apply a non-toxic outdoor sealant to make the rocks weather-resistant.

Share Your Kindness . Place your finished rocks in places where others will easily find them, such as park paths or neighborhood gardens. Avoid areas where they could disturb wildlife or lawn maintenance equipment. Always follow “Leave No Trace” principles, and never leave rocks in National Parks or restricted areas.

Tips:

Wonderful!

Do not add any glue-on embellishments to your rock. No matter how strong you think you’ve glued it, it could be picked off by wildlife, or fall off due to weather. We want to keep our kindness rocks safe for the environment!

Fantastic!

Make sure your rocks are placed in spaces where they will not disturb wildlife, or get caught in a lawnmower.

Amazing!

Follow leave no trace rules and do not leave painted rocks in National Parks, or other areas that specifically prohibit it.

Document Your Discoveries

Painted kindness rocks with positive messages. — Photo: ChristinLola

Painted kindness rocks with positive, images of wildlife.

Practice sketching your rock design in your Nature Notebook.
Note where you left your rocks around the neighborhood. Draw or photograph where you placed them and share on social media #GreenHour.

Bonus: Make a “Happy Earth Day” Sign and leave some rocks outside where others can find them. Leave a note saying “Take One” and encourage others to add their own painted positive rocks for others to find.

I’m finished