Celebrate Earth Week 2026 in Kawartha Lakes
Taking care of the environment is important to everyone in Kawartha Lakes. Protecting our lakes and rivers, using resources wisely, and reducing waste are things we can all do to help.
Earth Week is from April 19 to 25, and Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22. This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet”. It reminds us that protecting the environment isn’t just about governments, it’s about what we all do every day, whether at school, home, or in our community.
Learn more about Earth Day and how to help at www.earthday.org
Join a 20-minute Community Clean-Up
You can make a difference right in your neighbourhood. Get together with friends, family, or your sports team to clean up litter for just 20 minutes during Earth Week.
The municipality will give you garbage bags and gloves. You can sign up online or in person at any Municipal Service Centre.
Waste collected by registered groups can be dropped off at municipal landfills for free with a pre-approved permit.
Sign up deadline: April 15, 2026
Try the Adopt-A-Road Program
The Adopt-A-Road program lets volunteers help keep municipal roads clean. Here’s how it works:
- Pick up litter twice a year (spring and fall) for three years along a designated road.
- The municipality provides garbage bags and allows free disposal of the waste.
- Volunteers bring their own gloves, safety vests, and proper shoes.
- Groups must register before clean-up events and sign waivers.
- Your group will be recognized with a sign along your adopted road!
Bee a Hero Garden Challenge
Pollinators like bees are disappearing, but you can help. Plant a garden or container that provides food and shelter for bees. Take a ‘before’ and ‘after’ picture and submit it when the application opens on April 22 (Earth Day). Learn more on the Bee City page on our website.
Environmental Hero Awards
Know someone making a difference for the environment? Nominate them for the Kawartha Lakes Environmental Hero Awards! There are categories for individuals, students, and businesses. Winners get a certificate from the Mayor, and their project is featured in a council presentation.
Nominations open on April 22 and close on August 31. You can access the nomination form starting April 22 on the Environmental Hero Awards page.
