Earth Day and Arbor Day events
Every Earth Day, our community is inspired to act together to protect the natural resources that make Hennepin County a special place to call home.
Our Earth Day 2026 video showcases those natural resources and the actions the county and residents take to protect them.
Events map
Both Earth Day and Arbor Day are celebrated in April, and there are many events planned locally to get involved and celebrate our community and environment.
Litter cleanups
Getting outside and cleaning up in your community is an easy way to contribute. You could join a cleanup event, organize your own cleanup, or sign up to Adopt-a-Drain.
Organize a cleanup
Report an Earth Day cleanup
April 15 — May 15, 2026
Hennepin County has been challenged by our downstream neighbor, Goodhue County, to participate in the Mighty Mississippi Cleanup Challenge.
- Snap a photo of the participants and share your data with us!
- Post about your cleanup on social media with #WinnerIsTheRiver
Tree plantings and celebrations
We are over halfway to our climate action goal of planting 1 million trees by 2030 along with cities, park districts, partners, and residents. Arbor Day celebrations and tree plantings are happening in cities throughout the county.
- Tuesday, May 5 from 5 to 8 p.m., The Rec Center Gallery Room
- Wednesday, May 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Twin Oaks Park
St. Louis Park Arbor Day Celebration
- Thursday, May 14 from 5 to 8 p.m., Carpenter Park
Nature activities
Many nature centers and libraries are holding events to learn about plants and animals, explore nature, build birdhouses, or create wildlife habitat.
- Wednesdays through May 27 from 1 to 2 p.m., Nokomis Library
- Thursdays through May 28 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Nokomis Library
I am the Tree, the Tree is Me exhibit
- On display through May 29, Minneapolis Central Library
Swap and repair
The county, cities, and organizations are holding swap events for clothing, kids stuff, outdoor gear, games, craft supplies, garden tools, and more, and we continue to offer our popular Fix-It Clinics.
Hennepin County Fix‑it clinics
- Saturday, May 9 from noon to 4 p.m., Ridgedale Library
Protect the Mississippi River
Partners across the Twin Cities are raising awareness about the progress that has been made to restore the Mississippi River through the Sacred Water, Shared Future campaign.
In 1926, the Mississippi River was declared effectively dead in the Twin Cities. A century of collective action brought it back to life, and this movement is celebrating that progress and inspiring the next 100 years of stewardship.
A variety of river-focused events, activities, and programs, are happening throughout the year, including the River Days of Action from June 1 to 15.