Celebrate Earth Month by Getting Outside and Getting Involved
April is Earth Month, making it the perfect time to step outside, enjoy Henrico’s natural spaces, and give back to the community we serve. From hands-on volunteer opportunities to family-friendly events, there are plenty of ways for employees to celebrate both Earth Day and Arbor Day while making a positive impact.
Celebrate Earth Day (April 11)
While Earth Day is on April 22, Henrico’s Earth Day 2026 celebration is on April 11. It is hosted by Recreation and Parks, Keep Henrico Beautiful, and H.E.A.R.T., making it a great starting point for anyone looking to connect with local environmental efforts. The event features interactive activities, educational displays, and opportunities to learn more about sustainability in our community. Whether you stay for an hour or the whole event, it’s an easy and fun way to engage in the work happening right here in the county.
Honor Arbor Day (April 25)
Later in the month, the Arbor Day Celebration & Plant Sale offers another chance to get involved. This event highlights the importance of trees in our community while giving attendees the opportunity to purchase plants and learn more about local conservation efforts. It’s also a great chance to tour the museum and learn the history of Virginia Randolph and Arbor Day.
Volunteer and Make an Impact
As the weather warms up, there are several outdoor volunteer opportunities for employees. Don’t forget to check with your supervisor and policies and procedures to use volunteer leave!
- HCPS McKinney-Vento Program– Help sort, organize, and set up their new space for students. April 1 and 3, 10 am – 1 pm
- 2026 Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction with SOAR365-has multiple positions available between set-up, night-of support, and teardown. April 10-12
- Woodland Cemetery Public Workday– Support restoration efforts by mowing, weed eating, clearing brush, and cleaning headstones. April 11, 9am – 1pm; May 2, 9am – 1pm
- Paint Out Pollution at Henrico’s Earth Day Celebration– work alongside County staff and James River Association (JRA) staff to paint storm drains using multi-layered stencils and spray paint. April 11, 12pm – 3pm
- Repair, Reuse, Replant Workshop– Bring clothing items that need a little care and learn how to patch tears, sew on buttons, and mend pockets to extend the life of your favorite garments. Also, dig into the joy of growing new things by learning about how Keep Henrico Beautiful is propagating common houseplants as gifts for teachers. April 16, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
More Ways to Enjoy the Season
In addition to Earth Month events, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors:
- Sensational Spring Soirée– Enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a craft at Dorey Park. April 1, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Let’s Walk Together with Team Henrico– Join fellow employees on National Walking Day and walk the trails around the Training Center and Western Government Center. Contact Sydnei Archie for details. April 1, starting at 12pm
- Kite Day– A lighthearted way to spend time outside (and yes, adults can absolutely join in!) If you don’t have a kite, supplies will be available to build your own! April 12, 12pm – 3pm
- Join Team Henrico for the Monument Avenue 10k– Join your coworkers and run, walk, or cheer at this spring tradition. Discount codes are available for employees. Contact Joshua Gaskins for more information. Race day is April 18
Make April Count
Earth Month is a reminder that small actions like volunteering for a few hours, attending a local event, or simply spending more time outdoors can make a meaningful difference.
However you choose to participate, April is a great time to celebrate, connect, and take pride in the community we help serve every day.
