Spring Into Action With Environmental Events and Outdoor Learning in Cary

• Cary's spring lineup invites residents to celebrate Creek Week, take part in volunteer events like the Spring Litter Sweep, explore green stormwater infrastructure at Sip n' Stroll, and receive one of 600 free native trees through My Tree, Our Tree.
• The March into Earth Day campaign offers a wide range of educational and hands-on experiences, including a native plant sale, tree identification walks, birding activities, composting workshops, and gardening classes.
• From Arbor Day and Cary's 43rd year as a Tree City USA community to Earth Day Lane at Spring Daze, these events bring neighbors together to learn, volunteer, and care for Cary's natural resources.

Cary, NC - With warmer weather on the horizon, Cary invites citizens of all ages to participate in a variety of spring environmental programs, classes, volunteer opportunities, and free events designed to connect the community with nature, sustainability, and stewardship. From hands-on gardening workshops to a stormwater Sip n' Stroll at Downtown Cary Park and the return of My Tree, Our Tree, there are meaningful ways for all to connect, learn, and grow this season.

Creek Week, March 14 - 21, 2026
As part of a regional initiative focused on protecting local waterways, Cary will host several creek-themed, family-friendly events throughout Creek Week, held March 14 - 21.

Citizens can roll up their sleeves during the Spring Litter Sweep (March 14) to help remove debris from landscapes and greenways. On March 17, the popular Sip n' Stroll returns to Downtown Cary Park, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the innovative green stormwater infrastructure that supports water quality. Participants will hear directly from a Cary stormwater expert, explore how the Park manages runoff, and take home practical tips for protecting neighborhood streams. Family-friendly events will be taking place townwide during this regional celebration of the waterways that connect us all.

My Tree, Our Tree, Registration now open for tree pick-up, March 28, 2006
Returning as one of Cary's most anticipated biannual environmental programs, My Tree, Our Tree offers 600 free native trees to Cary residents on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is now open! The program supports a healthier urban forest while helping homeowners add shade, habitat, and long-term environmental value to their own yards.

Participants select a native species suited to their property and receive guidance on proper planting and care. Beyond the giveaway itself, the program reflects Cary's continued investment in strengthening the local tree canopy, improving air quality, supporting wildlife, and building long-term climate resilience - one yard at a time.

Arbor Day, March 28, 2026
Held in conjunction with the My Tree, Our Tree pickup event, Cary will be celebrating its 43rd year as a Tree City USA community on March 28. Tree lovers of all ages can enjoy educational booths on topics such as native plants, water quality, urban agriculture, composting, and more. Join us at approximately 12:15 p.m. for Cary's Arbor Day Proclamation and Tree City USA ceremony, where we will also recognize the 2025 Hometown Spirit Award recipient with the presentation of Cary's annual Arbor Day Tree. Kid-friendly nature activities, local food and drink, and live music make this a fun event for the whole family.

Earth Day Lane at Spring Daze, April 25, 2026
Cary's signature arts and crafts festival, Spring Daze, brings tens of thousands of visitors to Bond Park each year. This year's celebration once again features Earth Day Lane, where attendees can engage with sustainability partners, explore Cary's environmental efforts through educational activities, and learn simple ways to live more sustainably.

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. A full lineup of programs and activities is featured as part of our March into Earth Day campaign, including a native plant sale, tree identification walks, birding programs, composting workshops, and more. Most programs and events are free or low cost, with registration required where noted. Visit carync.gov/green for more and to subscribe to the monthly environmental newsletter for continued offerings and updates.

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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