3.25.2022 Gaithersburg Celebrates Green Month with Activities
Gaithersburg, MD (March 23, 2022) The City of Gaithersburg invites you to participate in activities that celebrate and improve the environment during Gaithersburg Green Month in April. In addition to being fun and educational, it is also a great way for students to earn service learning credits while making our community a better place to live. This year's Green Month includes a variety of activities to help protect and preserve our environment. Explore all programs and tips to be more eco-friendly here.
Green Month/Arbor Day Proclamation
Monday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.
Mayor & City Council Meeting, In-person at City Hall or Virtual via Zoom
With an official proclamation, the Mayor and City Council will designate April as "Gaithersburg Green Month" and April 21 as "Arbor Day" in the City of Gaithersburg. Accepting the proclamation is Environmental Affairs Committee Chair Janette Rosenbaum. Environmental Award winners will be recognized virtually throughout the month on social media @GburgMD. Registration to participate in the meeting via Zoom will be available here.
Capital Area Solar Co-Op: Round 2
April - August, Virtual
The City of Gaithersburg will be joining the cities of Rockville, Takoma Park, Bowie, Arlington, and Washington, DC, as well as Montgomery County, in an effort to promote residential solar installations. This collaborative co-op opportunity is available from April through August 2022 for residents throughout the Capital area. Have you been thinking about going solar, but don't know where to start? Not sure about financing or incentives? This is the opportunity to learn everything there is to know about going solar. Visit here for more information.
Community Green Up Day All Month Long
Various Locations
Green Up Day is a month-long event that corresponds with Alison Ferguson Foundation's Trash Free Clean-up. Join hundreds of volunteers as they make a difference throughout the community all month long by cleaning up and beautifying local streams, schools, parks, and homeowner association common areas.
Complete the online Community Clean-Up Event Support form to host your own neighborhood clean-up. Supplies (trash bags, pick-up sticks, gloves) can be picked up beforehand, then dropped back off after the event at Gaithersburg Public Works, 800 Rabbitt Road. The City's Bulk Pick Up Team will collect trash on the following Mondays for cleanups taking place over the weekends. Students can earn student service learning credits by participating. If you or your organization would like more information about volunteering, please e-mail environment@gaithersburgmd.gov
Environmental Film Night – "Inhabitants"
April 15 - 29, Virtual Screening – Link to view film will be sent via e-mail to registrants on April 15
The City's Environmental Affairs Committee is hosting a virtual screening of "Inhabitants," a feature documentary that follows five Native American tribes across deserts, coastlines, forest and prairies as they restore their traditional land management practices. The City of Gaithersburg is on land cared for by the Piscataway Conoy tribe, which translates in English as "The People Where The River Bends." Click here to learn more about the Piscataway Conoy.
Register here to receive a link to watch the film. Registrants will receive an e-mail immediately after submitting the form to confirm the screening. The link to view the film will be sent on April 15. The link will be active for the entire screening period. Registration throughout the screening period is also encouraged.
Special Meeting of the Environmental Affairs Committee
Tuesday, April 19, Virtual
The Environmental Affairs Committee will host a special meeting in April to receive a presentation from Planning and Code Administration staff on updates to the new draft Tree Manual. Registration will be available here to view the meeting via Zoom.
Arbor Day Celebration: Casey Farmers Market
Tree Giveaway & Container Gardening
Thursday, April 21, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Celebrate Arbor Day with a free tree giveaway at the Casey Farmers Market, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 21. The trees will be small, bare root seedlings that are easy to hold in your hand and plant in the ground. The tree species will be a native mix of flowering and shade trees. Tree care and planting instructions will be provided. Trees are first come, first served. Also, learn about Container Gardening at the Market. Small spaces don't mean you can't grow your own food. Experts will provide you with the know how to grow edible plants in containers. Edible/food producing plants are eligible for SNAP benefits.
Earth Day - Storm Drain Art Contest Winner Announced
Friday, April 22
Winners of the 2022 spring Storm Drain Art Contest will be announced on Earth Day, April 22. Selected designs will be painted on storm drain covers at various locations in the City and may also be used on banners, posters, coloring books, other educational materials, and on social media. The contest is hosted by the Gaithersburg Parks, Arts & Recreation Corporation (G-PARC) Arts & Culture Alliance and the City's Stormwater Management Program and Cultural Events and Services Division. It calls attention to the importance of protecting our Chesapeake Bay watershed. All details can be found here.
Storytime at the Arts Barn: We Are Water Protectors
Friday, April 22, 1 p.m., Arts Barn
Celebrate Earth Day with an engaging story and creative arts activities at the Arts Barn. A parent or guardian must accompany their young person. The featured story will be "We are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom. Register for this free program here.
Fix It Fair
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Casey Community Center
Gaithersburg residents can make an appointment to bring in select personal items for free repair at the City's first ever Fix It Fair. The "right to repair" and the ability to fix material is crucial to transitioning away from a disposal society and diverting useful materials from landfills. Fixing will be done by appointment only. Registration is required, and you can have up to two different items repaired, which can include textiles/clothing, tool sharpening (electric mower blades, pruners etc.), lamps, and small appliances. This Green Month activity is hosted by the Environmental Affairs Committee.
Flower Bombs at the Community Museum
Saturday & Sunday, April 23 & 24, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Community Museum
Celebrate Earth Day at the Community Museum by making a flower bomb to grow sunflowers and other wildflowers. Flower bombs are little balls made up of a combination of compost, clay and seeds. Toss it into your backyard and see what grows. This is a free, drop-in activity.
Explore Gaithersburg! Victory Farm Park & Kelley Park Clean-up and Trail Mapping
Sunday, April 24, Noon to 2 p.m.
The Gaithersburg Parks, Arts, and Recreation Corporation (G-PARC) continues its efforts to map the trails in the City, and has planned a family-friendly outdoor activity during Green Month that will include:
• Clean-up of the parks: volunteers will pick up trash along the trails of Victory Farm and Kelley Parks. Trash bags, pick-up sticks and gloves will be provided.
• Trail Mapping: volunteers will map the trails in and between Victory Farm Park and Kelley Park. Volunteers will need a cell phone and walking shoes.
Those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Forest Oak Middle School, 651 Saybrooke Oaks Blvd., in the main parking lot. SSL hours are available. Water/light snacks will be provided. Register by sending your name and number of people (and ages if under 18) attending to gparc@gaithersburgmd.gov.
Story Time Station: Going Green
Tuesday, April 26, 11 a.m., Community Museum
Learn about Going Green at April's StoryTime Station. Enjoy a morning of books, songs, and movement. Each participant gets a follow-up activity to do at home. Registration is required. Please call 301-258-6160 or e-mail the Museum to reserve a spot. This program is free and recommended for ages 2 to 6. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Community Shredding & E-Waste Recycling Event
Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m. – Noon, Activity Center at Bohrer Park
Just in time for spring cleaning, bring your paper documents and select electronics to our free Community Shredding & Electronics Recycling event. For safety and convenience, staff will remove shredded material directly from your trunk. Click here for a list of what we'll accept, including light bulbs this time. While the service is free, we will gratefully accept the donation of nonperishable food items and diapers for the Gaithersburg HELP food pantry.
For more information about participating in Green Month, call 301-258-6370 or e-mail environment@gaithersburgmd.gov
