In recognition of Earth Day on April 22, Northumberland County is encouraging residents to participate in local Earth Day activities, taking place across Northumberland from April 21 to 27, to build awareness of the importance of preserving and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.
“Earth Day serves as an annual reminder of the crucial responsibility we hold to preserve and protect our environment,” states County Warden Brian Ostrander. “On behalf of County Council, I invite community members to participate in the County’s Earth Day initiatives to learn more about environmental issues, raise awareness of the importance of our natural resources, and take positive action to contribute to a healthier community.
“The annual Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge is our principal event to mark this occasion. We invite the community to come together in friendly competition and also civic pride, making a positive difference to the environment by cleaning up our local parks, streets and neighbourhoods.”
The ‘Keep the County Clean’ event continues to grow in impact. Last year, 2,434 volunteers removed 19,000 kilograms of litter across Northumberland during the week-long event. The Township of Alnwick Haldimand took home the prize for ‘Highest Proportional Volunteers’, while the Township of Cramahe took home the prize for ‘Hardest Working Volunteers’ based on volume of waste collected. The County hopes to exceed 2023 numbers with this year’s challenge, which will take place from Sunday, April 21st to Saturday, April 27th.
Northumberland County invites community members to mark their calendars and join in the following activities planned to celebrate Earth Day:
· Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge: A week-long litter clean-up event, delivered in partnership with local municipalities. This friendly competition invites residents to register with their local municipality to participate in cleaning up litter and waste in their communities, including, roadsides, parks and trails. The municipalities with the highest proportional representation of volunteers, and most litter collected per volunteer, will take home trophies to celebrate their contributions.
· The 20-minute Makeover: On Friday, April 26, community members are encouraged to spend a few minutes beautifying an area in their neighbourhood, such as a local park, trail, their place of work, or school yard. No registration is required – simply grab a bag and some gloves and head outdoors.
· EarlyON Earth Day Family Story Time: On Monday, April 22, families with young children, ages six or under, are invited to join EarlyON Northumberland for a free interactive story time program, as well as other engaging activities, songs and rhymes. Each child that attends any EarlyON Child and Family Centre location across the county will be given a pack of wildflower seeds to take home and grow. Seeds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. For information about EarlyON locations and programming, visit Northumberland.ca/EarlyON.
Earth Day is celebrated annually around the world on April 22. This day of recognition aims to bring attention to environmental challenges and the impacts of climate change on both a global and local scale. Northumberland County is committed to taking steps to preserve our distinct and stunning natural resources and improve sustainability.
For more information about Earth Day, including registration details to participate in the Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge, visit Northumberland.ca/EarthDay.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
