The region has made great progress improving our environment and communities. Leadership at all levels of government, partnerships across sectors, and action by area residents has made this work possible. Together, we’re prioritizing our climate and energy goals, improving our air, supporting and preserving local agriculture, and restoring and raising awareness about our streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.

You can help continue this important progress during Earth Month while safely enjoying the great outdoors.

Explore local parks and trails

Get out and explore during Earth Month. For example, we’re fortunate to have miles of stream valley trails in our region. There are over 24 miles in the Anacostia Tributary Trail System alone!

Reduce Waste, Go Recycle

Put on a mask and gloves, grab a garbage bag, and pick up litter in your neighborhood or along a nearby stream. Unsure what materials can be recycled or how to do it? Visit GoRecycle.org.

Get to know local agriculture

Get to know your local farmer—there are hundreds of farms in our region! Plan a visit to those local farms that allows visitors, stop by a farm market, or purchase a Community Supported Agriculture or CSA share.

Get started with gardening

Get in touch with resources in your community for helping you get started with a home or community garden or native landscaping to support pollinators. Start with your cooperative extension office, master gardeners, local food policy council, or parks department.

Combine errands and exercise

Headed out? Combine errands so you drive less. On healthy air quality days, walk or ride a bike on short trips. You’ll get exercise, save gas, protect the air, and reduce emissions. Visit cleanairpartners.net for more ideas.

Talk about the changes you make!

You are a model for your friends and neighbors! If you’re out for a socially distanced visit, share what you’re doing to reduce your carbon footprint and why. Conversations are a great way to spread big ideas. By speaking about your experience, you might inspire another person to take an action, too.