Christine Whelan, April 16, 2026, Volume 7, Issue 16
EARTH DAY — dedicated to promoting sustainability, environmental awareness, and action to protect the planet — is the world’s largest environmental movement, celebrated every April 22.
The original Earth Day, in 1970, was a U.S.-led initiative, with rallies and teach-ins planned and organized by Senator Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes.
According to a blog post from West Coast Environmental Law in 1970, “Twenty million Americans took to the streets on April 22, 1970 – one tenth of the U.S. population at the time. No civil rights march, anti-war demonstration, or women’s liberation protest in the 1960s attracted this turnout.”
This Wednesday, over 190 countries will be taking part in some way. The theme for Earth Day 2026 is “Our Power, Our Planet”, focusing on accelerating clean energy, increasing accountability for environmental damage, and promoting community-scale climate solutions.
The Town of Fort Erie actively observes this annual event. This year, Town staff, volunteers, and partners are planting trees to create habitat and enhance the shoreline, aimed at supporting migratory bird species. Fort Erie residents are also encouraged to participate in local cleanups. Steps to move forward with Fort Erie’s Climate Action Plan, funded in part by grants from the Niagara Community Foundation and aimed at protecting local waterways and improving, expanding, and connecting green spaces, are being taken.
As part of this plan, the Town, Bert Miller Nature Club, and the Environmental Advisory Committee will lead an Earth Day event, planting 500 trees along the Lake Erie waterfront. .
The event will start at 9:00 am on Wednesday, April 22 and run until noon.
The trees will establish a natural windbreak for nearby properties, create habitat, and strengthen the shoreline landscape. The site will also provide a stopover area for migratory birds along the Lake Erie shoreline.
The Town and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority had partnered to secure a Niagara Community Foundation (NCF) grant for the future park space along the Lake Erie waterfront. This grant was the second of two environmental grants awarded by the NCF for local community projects.
The first grant provides $13,000 to support a Pollinator Meadow and Naturalization Project at the future park located at the corner of Thunder Bay Road and Butlers Drive. The project will support pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
“These initiatives show how meaningful progress happens when a municipality works with community partners. By planting trees, creating natural areas, and supporting pollinators, we are investing in the long-term health of our environment and creating spaces that residents can enjoy for generations,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop.
“I want to congratulate Town staff and partners for their strong work in securing these grants from the Niagara Community Foundation. Projects like this show how planning policy can turn into real action on the ground. They support the goals of our Climate Change Action Plan while enhancing the natural character of these future park spaces,” said Edward Terry, Manager of Policy and Community Planning.
Chris McQueen, Chief Administrative Officer, stated, “The Town continues to look for opportunities to generate revenue, attract external funding, and deliver projects in ways that strengthen the community while reducing pressure on the municipal tax base. I commend our staff who have secured these grants and built strong partnerships to advance these important community projects.”
The Niagara Community Foundation plays an important role in supporting projects that help communities across Niagara grow and thrive. Through partnerships and targeted grant programs, the NCF helps municipalities, organizations, and volunteers bring meaningful community initiatives to life.
Fort Erie’s Climate Change Action Plan focuses on practical actions that protect the environment while improving the community’s quality of life. The plan supports actions such as planting more trees, restoring habitat, supporting pollinators, and protecting biodiversity across the Town. These actions also help address the impacts of climate change. Healthy natural landscapes absorb carbon, reduce heat, manage stormwater, and create stronger ecosystems that support wildlife and local agriculture.
Cleaning Up Fort Erie: A Collaboration
The Kinette Club of Fort Erie organized a community cleanup for Saturday, April 11, at Waverly Beach and Woods in Fort Erie and promoted it on social media.
You are invited to take pride in Fort Erie by helping to keep it beautiful. The Town is supporting community cleanups for Earth Day. Community groups, schools, and local organizations are welcome to host a community cleanup with the Town’s support.
Choose a location in Fort Erie that could use some TLC (e.g., parks, beaches, or trails). Select a date and time that works for your group, if April 22 doesn’t. Register your group by contacting the recreation department at 905-871-1900. Send your clean-up details to the Manager of Recreation and Facilities, Kristina Clint, at kclint@forterie.ca. This ensures the Town can provide support, guidance and supplies, including gloves and garbage bags.
All volunteers are required to wear appropriate clothing and protective gear, avoid hazardous items (broken glass, sharp metals, etc.), and report any dangerous materials to Town staff.
“The ultimate test of a man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” — Gaylord Nelson
