This April, Montgomery County residents have more than 200 community events to choose from, all designed to make environmental stewardship feel achievable rather than overwhelming. From mending workshops that extend clothing life to stormwater solutions for your yard, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is bringing sustainability out of the abstract and into neighborhoods, libraries, and community spaces where people actually live .

Why Local Environmental Action Matters More Than Ever?

County Executive Marc Elrich framed Earth Month as a critical moment for local leadership. "Earth Month comes at a time when we're seeing efforts at the federal level to roll back decades of progress on environmental protection and climate science," he stated. "That makes what we do locally even more important. In Montgomery County, we're continuing to move forward by reducing emissions, investing in clean energy, and giving residents practical ways to be part of that work" .

This messaging reflects a broader shift in how communities approach sustainability. Rather than waiting for federal mandates, counties and municipalities are creating tangible pathways for residents to participate in climate action. The events throughout April are designed to be immediate and actionable, whether that means learning to repair clothing, understanding electric vehicles, or redesigning your landscape to manage stormwater naturally.

What Hands-On Activities Can You Join This April?

Montgomery County's Earth Month calendar includes a diverse range of events tailored to different interests and skill levels. Whether you're curious about electric vehicles, want to learn practical repair skills, or need guidance on sustainable landscaping, there's an entry point for you .

• Ask an EV Owner (April 1): Join EV Owners of Greater Washington, D.C., for an online session from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. if you're shopping for an electric vehicle, have questions about ownership, or are simply curious about how EVs work in real-world conditions.
• Mending Lab and Clothing Swaps (April 9 and 18): Learn to repair clothing to extend garment life and reduce textile waste at the Rockville Library (5 to 7 p.m. on April 9) or Germantown Library (3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on April 18). Unclaimed items from the swap are donated afterward, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
• Earth Month Big Spring Cleanup (April 11): Join a community cleanup from 9 to 11 a.m. at the corner of Oakview Drive and E. Light Drive in Silver Spring. Supplies are provided, and students can earn service learning hours.
• Stormwater Solutions Workshop in Spanish (April 11): Learn how conservation landscapes, rain gardens, and native plants can manage stormwater and support wildlife at Brookside Gardens from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendees discover how to qualify for programs like RainScapes Rewards and Tree Montgomery.
• 11th Annual GreenFest (April 26): The BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown hosts this full-day celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring battery collection, art projects, and a Harriet Tubman Freedom Walk exhibit.
• Montgomery County Energy Summit (April 28 and 29): Professionals across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region can register for this two-day summit at the Silver Spring Civic Building, covering green building, energy efficiency, and renewable energy topics.
• Evaluating Stormwater Solutions for Home Landscapes (April 30): This online webinar from 7 to 9 p.m. walks homeowners through planning a RainScape, including site evaluation and determining the best type and scale of project for residential properties.

DEP Director Jennifer Macedonia emphasized that environmental stewardship is a year-round commitment, not just an April initiative. "Protecting our air, water, and land is something every resident can take part in," she stated. "DEP is committed to building a healthier, more sustainable Montgomery County, but meeting these goals requires all of us. We appreciate and celebrate the communities, local businesses, and individuals we work with who are helping to lead meaningful action across the County" .

Jennifer Macedonia

How to Get Involved in Your Community's Sustainability Efforts

Getting started with Earth Month activities doesn't require special expertise or equipment. Here are practical ways to participate based on your interests and availability :

• Start with what interests you most: If you're considering an electric vehicle, attend the EV Owner Q&A session. If you have a closet full of clothes you love but can't wear, visit a mending lab. If you own a home with landscaping challenges, register for a stormwater workshop.
• Bring family members or friends: Many events, like the Big Spring Cleanup and GreenFest, are designed for groups. Students can earn service learning hours at cleanup events, making participation valuable for school requirements.
• Follow up with year-round programs: DEP hosts Illumination Stations at Montgomery County libraries throughout the year, providing ongoing opportunities to learn about sustainability beyond April.
• Subscribe to My Green Montgomery: Stay informed about future events and green living tips by subscribing to the county's newsletter and following DEP on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and X.

The breadth of April's programming reflects a recognition that sustainability isn't one-size-fits-all. Some people connect with environmental action through learning (energy summit), others through community service (cleanup), and still others through practical home improvements (stormwater solutions). By offering diverse entry points, Montgomery County is making it easier for residents to find their own pathway to environmental stewardship.

What makes this approach particularly effective is its focus on tangible, immediate action. Rather than abstract climate statistics, residents can mend a favorite shirt, learn from EV owners about real-world driving experiences, or plant native species that will benefit their property and local wildlife for years to come. These actions accumulate, and as County Executive Elrich noted, "those actions add up and they matter" .