Dig In and Grow Green: Cary’s Fall Environmental Events Offer Something for Everyone

• Dig In and Grow Green is back this fall, bringing together some of Cary's most popular environmental events - from My Tree, Our Tree and community litter sweeps to volunteer opportunities and fire station garden workdays, and more.
• Learn, volunteer, explore, or get your hands dirty with events connecting Cary's environment, history, and community.
• Events run September through November, with both in-person and virtual opportunities. Explore the full lineup and registration information at carync.gov/green.

CARY, NC - Cary's annual Dig In and Grow Green series returns this fall with hands-on workshops, volunteer opportunities, and community events that make environmental education easy to explore at any age. From composting and tree care to home energy, local waterways, and Cary's agricultural history, this year's lineup offers plenty of ways to learn something new, ask questions, and get involved. Events run September through November at locations across Cary and online.

Fall Events Include:
Fire Station Garden Workdays | September 9-15
Give back while helping Cary grow. In recognition of the 9-11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, volunteers can help care for gardens at Cary fire stations while honoring the first responders who serve our community.

Farming Equipment Then & Now | September 19
Step back in time at Good Hope Farm for a hands-on look at Cary's agricultural heritage. Explore tools once used on small family farms and see how farming practices and equipment have evolved over generations.

Shading the Future | Open Through September 30
This pilot program is funded by a Duke Energy Foundation Local Environmental Impact Grant. Shading the Future is designed to increase tree canopy, reduce the heat island effect, improve air quality, enhance ecological diversity, and help mitigate the effects of climate change in the community. Eligible participants include residents, businesses, schools, churches, HOA's, and other landowners.

Fall Litter Sweep | September 26 & October 3
Grab a pair of gloves and join your neighbors for Cary's Fall Litter Sweep. Volunteer cleanups help keep litter out of our streets, greenways, streams, and waterways while supporting statewide litter reduction efforts.

My Tree, Our Tree | October 10
Help grow Cary's urban forest - starting at home. Cary residents can reserve a free native sapling and learn how the right tree in the right place can provide shade, wildlife habitat, cleaner air, and benefits that grow for years to come.

Fall Tree Talk: Tree Planting Tips | October 13
Have a tree question? Join Cary experts online to learn more about selecting, planting, and caring for trees, with time for questions and answers.

Home Energy Savings, the Environment, & You! | October 14
Small changes at home can make a difference for both comfort and energy use. This virtual lunch and learn offers practical energy-saving tips, information about household energy use and its environmental impact, and an opportunity to ask local experts questions.

Community Garden Open House | October 24
Come see what's growing in Cary's community gardens. Take a tour, learn how the plot rental program works, talk with experts, and pick up ideas for growing a greener garden at home.

Harvest Fest | November 21
Wrap up the season at Good Hope Farm with a family-friendly celebration of Cary's agricultural past, present, and future. Shop local from artisans and purchase farm-fresh produce just in time for your holiday meals. Harvest Fest invites the community to experience the farm, connect with local agriculture, and discover how Cary is carrying its farming heritage forward.

About the Environmental Outreach Program
Cary's Environmental Outreach program builds community resiliency through sustainability-focused classes, events, and volunteer opportunities that inspire stewardship of natural resources and sustainable living. Many programs and events are free or low-cost, with registration required where noted. Visit carync.gov/green for the complete Dig In and Grow Green lineup and to subscribe to Cary's monthly environmental newsletter for continued opportunities and updates.

Primary Contacts

If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email [email protected].

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