HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 04-07-2026; 8-e - Earth Day Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 7, 2026
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-e
SUBJECT: Earth Day Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks
and Recreation (DEAPR)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation David Stancil, 245-2522
Marabeth Carr, 245-2516
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating April 22, 2026, as Earth Day in Orange
County.
BACKGROUND: Earth Day was founded in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as a
national "teach-in" on the environment, prompted by growing concern over industrial pollution
and a massive 1969 Santa Barbara, CA oil spill. Held on April 22, 1970, it united 20 million
Americans in rallies, leading to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the
Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. The date of April 22 was
chosen to maximize student participation, falling between spring break and final exams.
Today, over 1 billion people in more than 193 countries participate in Earth Day activities,
making it the largest secular civic event in the world. The global theme for Earth Day 2026 is
"Our Power, Our Planet."
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION
OBJECTIVE 7. Conserve and protect high-priority open space, including Natural
Heritage sites, nature preserves, watershed riparian buffers, and prime/threatened
farmland. Identify the priorities and resources necessary to implement the Climate
Action Plan.
Earth Day drives global conservation by turning awareness into action for ecological and open
space protection. This focus aligns with the Orange County Climate Action Plan to sequester
2
carbon, enhance weather resilience, and preserve biodiversity through proactive land
stewardship.
For 2026, Orange County invites all residents to join in the celebration on Wednesday, April
22 with environmental hands-on activities, hikes, and workshops all designed around the spirit
of Earth Day, to educate, inspire, and entertain. Orange County will be holding an Earth Day
celebration event in a new location this year, from 5:30-7:30 pm on April 22, 2026 at Blackwood
Farm Park on NC 86 between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill. Other events are also being held
around the county and region to celebrate Earth Day.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation on behalf of the Board.
3
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING
EARTH DAY 2026
WHEREAS, the first Earth Day was observed on April 22, 1970, to educate and mobilize
individuals to protect our environment and natural resources; and
WHEREAS, Earth Day is now a global phenomenon, engaging over one billion people in
190+ countries to advocate for a healthier, more sustainable planet; and
WHEREAS, the global theme for Earth Day 2026 is "Our Power, Our Planet," highlighting
the fundamental truth that environmental progress is driven by the collective, everyday
actions of local communities, educators, and families; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to fostering environmental stewardship,
ensuring clean air and water, and protecting our unique natural landscapes for current
and future generations; and
WHEREAS, local government plays a critical role in implementing sustainable solutions
that improve public health, enhance infrastructure reliability, and support a thriving green
economy; and
WHEREAS, collective community action — including such activities as tree plantings,
neighborhood cleanups, and the adoption of renewable energy — remains the most
effective way to address environmental challenges and build lasting resilience.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners of
Orange County does hereby proclaim April 22, 2026, as EARTH DAY in Orange County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board urges all residents to attend Orange
County's Earth Day 2026 event on April 22, 2026 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Blackwood Farm
Park to celebrate with environmental hands-on activities, hikes, and workshops to
educate, inspire, and entertain in the spirit of Earth Day.
This, the 7th day of April, 2026.
Jean Hamilton, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
Laura Jensen
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners