3.24.2023 Gaithersburg Celebrates Green Month with Activities
Gaithersburg Celebrates Green Month with Activities, Clean Ups, & Screening of Trashy: A Zero Waste Film
Gaithersburg, MD (March 21, 2023) The City of Gaithersburg invites you to participate in activities that celebrate and improve the environment during Gaithersburg Green Month in April, and beyond. 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.
Explore Gaithersburg! Malcolm King Park Clean Up and Trail Mapping
Sunday, April 2, Noon to 2 p.m.
The Gaithersburg Parks, Arts, and Recreation Corporation (G-PARC) continues its efforts to map the trails in the City. It has also planned a family-friendly outdoor activity during Green Month that will include:
• Park Clean Ups: Volunteers will pick up trash along the trails of Malcolm King Park. Trash bags, pick-up sticks, and gloves will be provided.
• Trail Mapping: Volunteers will map the trails in Malcolm King Park. Volunteers will need a cell phone and walking shoes.
Those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. SSL hours are available. Water and light snacks will be provided. Register by sending your name and number of people (and ages if under 18) attending to gparc@gaithersburgmd.gov.
Environmental Awards Ceremony (by invitation only)
Monday, April 3, 6 p.m.
City Hall Gallery
Sponsored by Gaithersburg's Environmental Affairs Committee, the 22nd Annual Environmental Awards recognize individuals, businesses, schools, homeowner associations, nonprofits, and scouting groups for their commitment to the environment. Returning to an in-person event this year, the City is presenting certificates to winners for initiatives within calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Light refreshments will be served. The City will recognize this year's Environmental Award winners virtually throughout the month on social media @GburgMD.
Green Month/Arbor Day Proclamation
Monday, April 3, 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 25 as "Arbor Day" in the City of Gaithersburg. Accepting the proclamation is Environmental Affairs Committee Chair Janette Rosenbaum. Registration will be available here to participate via Zoom.
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 event. Residents can pick up supplies (trash bags, pick up sticks, gloves) prior to the event and drop them 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 clean ups taking place over the weekend. 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
Weekly Challenge: Your Carbon Footprint
April 17 - 22
Stop by the Gaithersburg Community Museum during Earth Week and participate in the Carbon Footprint weekly challenge.
Environmental Affairs Committee: Special Meeting
Tuesday, April 18, 7 p.m.
The Environmental Affairs Committee will meet in April to discuss the status of the Environmental Justice Survey and work through final outreach efforts before the survey closes in May. Registration will be available here to listen to the meeting or provide virtual public comment.
Arbor Day Celebration
Tuesday, April 25
The City celebrates Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony at Forest Oak Middle School. This event is not open to the public.
Montgomery County GreenFest
Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23
The Montgomery County GreenFest is the largest annual environmental festival in Montgomery County and is held over two days.
• April 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brookside Gardens: The day will focus on protecting and preserving the natural environment and will highlight food consumption and composting, clean water, biodiversity, sustainable gardening, and environmental justice.
• April 23, Noon to 5 p.m. in Downtown Wheaton (2425 Reedie Drive) The day will focus on how residents can "green" their home and daily commute and will highlight energy consumption, home and appliance efficiency, recycling, transportation, electric vehicles, and green business initiatives.
Earth Day - Storm Drain Art Contest Winner Announced
Saturday, April 22
Winners of the 2023 Storm Drain Art Contest will be announced. Selected designs will be painted on storm drain covers at select locations in the City and may be used on banners, posters, coloring books, other educational materials, and on social media. The Gaithersburg Parks, Arts and Recreation Corporation (G-PARC) Arts and Culture Alliance, the City's Stormwater Management Program, and the Culture Events and Services host the contest. The project calls attention to the importance of protecting our Chesapeake Bay watershed. Learn more here.
Environmental Film Night – Trashy: A Zero Waste Film
Sunday, April 23, 7 p.m.
Presented by the Environmental Affairs Committee
Join us for a special free screening of Trashy: A Zero Waste Film that shows what it's like to live a zero waste lifestyle. Be inspired to make small or even big changes in your life. The film starts at 7:15 p.m. followed by some "Trash Talk" regarding area resources. Admission is free. Seating is limited. Registration is encouraged.
Community Shredding and E-Waste Recycling Event
Saturday, May 6, 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 and Electronics Recycling event. To maintain physical distancing, staff will remove shredded material directly from your trunk. Click here for a list of what is accepted, including light bulbs. While the service is free, donations of nonperishable food items and diapers are gratefully accepted for the Gaithersburg HELP food pantry.
Fix-It Fair
Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Environmental Affairs Committees hosts the second Fix-It Fair, a free event where residents can bring in personal items for repair instead of sending them off to the landfill. The City is seeking volunteers who can repair small appliances, lamps, jewelry, textiles/clothing, and who can sharpen tools. For more information and to volunteer, e-mail Sustainability Coordinator, Deb Moran, at environment@gaithersburgmd.gov
For more information about participating in Green Month, call 301-258-6370 or e-mail environment@gaithersburgmd.gov
