Representatives from nearly every country on Earth gathered in Paris for the 2015 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the Paris Agreement a triumph for people, the planet and multilateralism. The signing ceremony is set for Earth Day, April 22, at UN headquarters, in New York City.

For the first time, every country has pledged to curb their emissions, strengthen resilience to related impacts and act internationally and domestically to address climate change. Other key elements aimed at achieving a state of climate neutrality—having a zero carbon footprint—before the century’s end include transparency, accountability and a plan for developed countries to support climate action in developing countries.

“A big part of the Paris agreement focuses on reduced use of gas, coal and oil, but there is also a focus on preserving trees and expanding forests,” says Earth Day Network (EDN) spokesperson Timothy McHugh, referring to this year’s Earth Day theme of Trees for Earth.

This year also kicks off a four-year countdown to the environmental campaign’s 50th anniversary on Earth Day 2020. “By that mark, we hope to have planted 7.8 billion trees—approximately one tree for every person on the planet. Trees are vitally important because they soak up carbon and clean the air,” McHugh explains.

In addition to countering climate change and pollution, EDN’s global tree planting seeks to support communities and local economies, protect biodiversity and inspire environmental stewardship.

From global leaders convening at the UN to people participating in community events close to home, billions of the world’s citizens will celebrate our precious home planet this year. To join the worldwide observance, find an event online at EarthDay.org or participate in one or more of the Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess County NY, 2016 Earth Day events listed here.

Local Earth Day Events

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Nature’s Pantry Earth Day Event – 11am-2pm.

Nature’s Pantry natural foods store in Fishkill, NY hosts its big annual Earth Day event.  The celebration is designed to both honor the planet and thank the community for its support. Visitors can meet with representatives from local farms, try free product samples, and enjoy activities for the kids. Free.

Nature’s Pantry is located at 1545 Rt. 52 in Fishkill, NY. Info: 845.765.2023. naturespantryhv.com.

Saturday, April 16

Green Ossining’s 6th Annual Earth Day Festival –11am-4pm. 

A Riverfront family-friendly day of music and activities honoring the planet and celebrating the importance of water.  Learn how to live a more sustainable life, visit artisan vendors, and enjoy food and live music on the Hudson River. Hosted by Green Ossining in partnership with both the Town and Village of Ossining

Louis B. Engel Waterfront Park.  Info: GreenOssining.org/earth-day-festival/

Sunday, April 17

Earth Day Celebration at Greenburgh Nature Center – 11am-4pm.
Visitors can roll up their sleeves and help make a difference. Activities include rain barrel construction, trail maintenance, composting classes and more. Plant a tree as part of the worldwide celebration of Arbor Day.

Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd. Scarsdale, NY. Info: 914.723.3470. GreenburghNatureCenter.org

Saturday, April 23

Earth Day Celebration at Stony Kill Farm – 10-11:30am.

Celebrate and sing with musician Chris Ruhe around the campfire circle. Then participants may head over to the barn and visit the animals or make an earth-friendly craft using recycled materials. Bring an old t-shirt (any size) to learn how to make a cool farm market bag. Free admission. 

Stony Kill Foundation, 79 Farmstead Lane Wappingers Falls. Info:  845.831.3800.  StonyKill.org.

Saturday, May 7

Earth Day Westchester 2016 – 10am-3pm.

The big Earth Day event returns to Kensico Dam Plaza this year. Green exhibits, live entertainment,  farmers market, “Green Raffle,” children’s activities and Sustainability/Recycling Awards presented by Westchester County and more. Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway in Valhalla. Info: westchestergov.com.

 

 

Three Ways to Watch Our Water

The Health of Our Waterways Program

Wednesday, April 13

Emma Lagle, sustainability project leader for Greenburgh Nature Center, along with representatives from the nonprofit organization Riverkeeper, will discuss immediate threats to the Hudson River and her tributaries—including the Tappan Zee Bridge construction project, crude oil transportation, regular littering and sewage contamination—and what the public can do to help. Cosponsored by Lower Hudson Sierra Group, this free presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. (refreshments served at 7 p.m.) at the nature center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. Info: 914.723.3470 or GreenburghNatureCenter.org.

 

Source to Sound Watershed Tour

Saturday, April 23

Mianus River Gorge Inc. will host its annual Source to Sound Watershed Tour from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 23. “This popular tour takes a closer look at where our household water comes from and what it takes to make sure it’s clean,” says MRG Executive Director Rod Christie.

Since 1953, the independent not-for-profit organization has worked to preserve, protect and promote appreciation of the Mianus River watershed through land acquisition and conservation, scientific research and public education throughout the region. The Mianus River empties into Long Island Sound in southwest Connecticut. Its headwaters in North Castle and Bedford, New York, drain to the Bargh Reservoir, a drinking water source for the communities of Greenwich, Stamford, Port Chester, Rye and Rye Brook.

The tour will meet at the Gorge parking area (across from 167 Mianus River Road in Bedford) and head to the Bargh Reservoir, which holds back 2.2 billion gallons of drinking water. “While last year we visited the upper dam, this trip will focus on how water is diverted by pumps and aqueducts to other reservoirs,” Christie says. “Next we will cross over the Rockland Reservoir, which receives water from the Bargh, on our way to the Putnam Filter Plant. We’ll finish up at the old pump station on Route 1 in Greenwich.” Participants can bring their lunch or pick up something at the Italian deli in Greenwich.

Info: Mianus.org, [email protected] or 914.234.3455.

 

Fifth Annual Riverkeeper Sweep

Saturday, May 7

Riverkeeper’s fifth annual day of service for the Hudson River promises to be the biggest and best yet—a perfect way to celebrate Riverkeeper’s fiftieth anniversary. Last year more than 2,000 volunteers and dozens of community partners worked along hundreds of miles of shoreline from Brooklyn to Troy to remove more than 40 tons of debris and plant 1,150 trees and native grasses. Organizers say they plan to expand this year’s Sweep by partnering with more communities, schools, businesses and organizations than ever. Info: Riverkeeper.org.