On April 22 in 1970, 20 million people from coast to coast in the U.S. gathered to protest environmental destruction. More than 55 years later, over one billion people will continue to mobilize individually or with their community on Earth Day for the protection of the planet.
The 2026 Earth Day theme “Our Power, Our Planet” is a reminder that environmental progress and stewardship doesn’t depend on a single administration, institution, or election. Instead, it’s sustained by daily actions of communities, educators, and individuals who dedicate themselves to protect the places they live.
This is being exemplified in the Kawarthas region as municipalities, volunteer groups, and organizations are teaming up for an Earth Week that’s full of cleanups, celebrations, and knowledge sharing. Below are some ways you can take part in initiatives in your community before and during Earth Week this year.
RE:Connect Circular Economy Event in Peterborough – Wednesday, April 15
Leading up to Earth Week, grassroots organization Clean Up Peterborough is hosting a free celebration of circular economy living, inviting community members to learn ways they can repurpose, reuse, and save items from the landfill.
The spring edition of RE:Connect will take place at the Morrow Building in Peterborough on Wednesday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with sustainability-focused organizations and businesses and learn creative and practical ways to reduce waste and keep items in use. The event will include hard-to-recycle product collections, as well as the an all-new jigsaw puzzle swap, the Great Peterborough Clothing Swap, and the RE:Create Circular Art Contest.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/901110432898917.
Earth Month Ask Me Anything with Algonquin Highlands Environmental Services – Friday, April 17
Do you have burning questions about recycling, reducing waste, or living greener?
Drop by the Stanhope Branch of the Haliburton County Public Library (1109 North Shore Rd.) on Friday, April 17 between noon and 1 p.m.
This informal, drop-in session is an opportunity to connect with a municipal environmental staff to learn more about local programs and resources available in the community.
Earth Day Celebration with the Township of Cavan Monaghan – Saturday, April 18
The Township of Cavan Monaghan is hosting an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 18 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre (986 County Road 10, Millbrook).
The event provides the opportunity to connect with municipal staff, share ideas, and learn about sustainability initiatives and local projects. Organizations such as GreenUP will be on site to promote their work in sustainability, and visitors will also be able to purchase trees, pollinator packs, and rain barrels.
To learn more, visit calendar.cavanmonaghan.net.
Cigarette Butt Cleanup in Cobourg – Sunday, April 19
Cobourg mayor Lucas Cleveland is inviting community members to join this year’s cigarette butt cleanup in the downtown and waterfront areas on Sunday, April 19.
Meet at 10 a.m. at the Cobourg Marina (103 Third Street). Supplies will be provided onsite. Due to the nature of the material being collected, this cleanup is recommended for ages 19 and older.
All collected cigarette butts will be recycled through the TerraCycle UNSMOKE Cigarette Recycling Program in partnership with A Greener Future.
Cleanup of Rogers Cove in Peterborough – Sunday, April 19
Salix Environmental Consulting is hosting its second annual Earth Day Cleanup on Sunday, April 19 from noon to 2 p.m.
This year, community members of all ages will be gathering at the Rogers Cove parking lot to clean up the park and Little Lake waterfront. The cleanup will begin with a brief safety talk focused on hazard awareness to ensure everyone feels comfortable and prepared.
Families and children are encouraged to join, and high schoolers can have volunteer hours signed off.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/3944828209147767/
Earth Week in Kawartha Lakes – Sunday, April 19 to Saturday, April 25
During this year’s Earth Week, the City of Kawartha Lakes is encouraging community members to make a difference in their own neighbourhood by getting together with friends, family, and sports teams and participating in a 20-Minute Community Cleanup.
The municipality will provide clear garbage bags and gloves to registered groups, who will be able to drop off waste at municipal landfills for free with a pre-approved permit.
Groups can register at any municipal service centre on online at www.kawarthalakes.ca/earthweek. The deadline to register is Wednesday, April 15.
Other ways to make a difference in the City of Kawartha Lakes during Earth Week include getting involved in the municipality’s Adopt-A-Road program, taking the Bee a Hero Challenge, or making a nomination for the Environmental Hero Awards.
Northumberland County Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge – Monday, April 20 to Saturday, April 25
In recognition of Earth Day on April 22, Northumberland County is encouraging residents to take part in the 16th annual Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge from Monday, April 20 to Saturday, April 25.
The week-long litter cleanup campaign is an effort to keep the county clean from litter on roadsides, in parks, and more. Community members are encouraged to register with their local municipality in order to pick up bags, gloves, and safety vests. For more information, visit northumberland.ca/event/earth-day/.
On Friday, April 24, community members are also encouraged to participate in “The 20-Minute Makeover” by spending a few minutes cleaning up an area in their neighbourhood, such as their school yard, place of work, or a local park. No registration is required — simply grab a bag and some gloves and head outdoors.
GreenUP Earth Day Open House in Peterborough – Wednesday, April 22
GreenUP is hosting an Earth Day open house from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22 at its offices at 378 Aylmer St. in downtown Peterborough.
You can meet GreenUP staff and help celebrate some of the environmental organization’s “wins” in 2025, including planting over 2,100 trees and engaging over 5,300 youth across all GreenUP’s educational programs.
For more information, visit greenup.on.ca/event/greenup-open-house-earth-day/.
Grow a Tree with GreenUP at the Peterborough Public Library – Saturday, April 25
For last year’s “One Book, One Ptbo” community read, the Peterborough Public Library chose To Speak for the Trees, a part-memoir about author Diana Beresford-Kroeger’s life and with illuminating ideas about the power of trees.
Now, in partnership with GreenUP and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, the library is aiming to meet Beresford-Kroeger’s challenge to take action. Drop in to the Multipurpose Room at the main branch (345 Aylmer St. N.) on Saturday, April 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m to learn about native tree species, select your seed or seedling, and consult with GreenUP on how best to care for it.
For more information, visit ptbolibrary-ca.libcal.com/event/3988442.
Cleanup of Jackson Park in Peterborough – Saturday, April 25
The Friends of Jackson Park is hosting a cleanup of Jackson Park in Peterborough on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Focusing on priority areas, participants will meet in the parking lot at the end of Monaghan Road before breaking into a few teams and following team leaders to the cleanup sites.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own work gloves (a few will be available on site), water, and snacks.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/33996504853326518/.
“Green Together” in Port Hope – Sunday, April 26
On Sunday, April 26, the Municipality of Port Hope is getting “Green Together” with two events focused on sustainability and local action in celebration of Earth Week.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Town Park Recreation Centre (62 McCaul Street), the Port Hope Environmental Advisory Committee is hosting the second annual Sustainability Expo. The all-ages event invites residents to connect with local organizations offering sustainable services and solutions and learn through live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and engaging discussions.
The day’s events will include an EV car show, repair café, and the opportunity for young people to get involved in the youth showcase to share their innovative and creative green solutions through an art contest, upcycled creations, and climate research projects.
Also on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a community cleanup held at the Town Park Recreation Centre’s Fall Fair Centre. Held in support of the Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge, the cleanup of shared spaces will be followed by a community BBQ and touch-a-truck beginning at 2 p.m.
For more information and to register for the cleanup, visit porthope.ca/green-together.
