Local organizations across the U.S. unite for Earth Day 2026

Across the globe, community leaders, students, teachers, elected and government officials, and every day people registered over 13,000 events on the Global Earth Day Map. This smashed the previous record by nearly doubling the amount of events registered for Earth Day 2025.

People around the world used these events to exercise their power to advocate for, protect, clean, and improve our planet. Here in the United States, the birthplace of Earth Day, the story was no different.

EARTHDAY.ORG’s programs team worked closely with local organizations to build Earth Day coalitions in 13 cities across the U.S. We worked with grassroots partners in California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah. 

Florida

In Orlando, Florida, The Mustard Seed of Central Florida hosted a successful event deconstructing mattresses to recycle their components. 

“Our Mattress Warrior Day protects our environment by deconstructing mattresses for the recyclable materials; therefore, diverting products from the landfill”, said Executive Director, Kathy Baldwin.

Michigan

The Manistique Community Treehouse Center in Detroit, Michigan hosted a community garden reset day. “The theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, means recognizing that real change starts at the community level. Our power is in our ability to come together, to transform vacant land into spaces of growth, and to invest in the health of both our environment and our people.” Said Tammy Black, Founder and CEO of the Manistique Community Treehouse Center.

New York

In Troy, New York, Capital Roots hosted a community tree planting. “These trees will help reduce heat, manage stormwater, and strengthen the health of our community,” said Amy Klein, CEO of Capital Roots. “This year’s theme, ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ reminds us that real change starts with local action. When we come together to plant, learn, and invest in our shared future, even one tree can make a lasting impact.”

North Carolina

Trees for the Triangle, based out of Durham, North Carolina, hosted three events across the NC Triangle region throughout Earth Month. “On Earth Day, we’re bringing together local changemakers, business partners, and homegrown volunteers to help us establish Trees for the Triangle’s nursery location in Raleigh, where we will be growing our future impact, both literally and organizationally,” said Jean-Luc Duvall, Volunteer and Events Coordinator for Trees For the Triangle.

In Charlotte, North Carolina, Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services organized a creek cleanup and sewer grate tagging event. Volunteers at the event could join a stream cleanup or mark storm drains using Quick Captures to track locations. Regardless of the activity they chose, their work supported water quality and wildlife habitats in their community.

Ohio

In Medina, Ohio, Medina County Indivisible hosted a community Earth Day fair using the theme of “Our Power, Our Planet.” Attendees heard from a retired NPS Ranger, a poet, the American Chestnut Foundation, and High School and Middle School kids sharing their perspectives on the environment.“Our goal is coming together in community to remember the importance of taking even small steps to connect with our environment and protect it,” said organizer, Mosie Welch.

Pennsylvania

In West Chester, Pennsylvania, the West Chester Green Team hosted a range of events, including an Earth Day march. They also hosted a wellness fair, jazz performance, and community dinner. All of these events united voices around environmental action, plastics awareness, and collective power for the planet.

Texas

Volunteer Houston, in Houston, Texas helped local volunteer organizations adopt the theme and promote their events during Earth Month. “When volunteers come together to care for the places they call home, they strengthen neighborhoods, protect our planet, and demonstrate the collective power we have to create a healthier, more resilient Houston for generations to come,” said Gayla Wilson, Community Engagement Officer for Interfaith Ministries- Houston.

In Elgin, Texas, the African American Youth Harvest Foundation hosted a community garden workday at Casa De Miel. Their work brought young people together to support one of their local partners.

Utah

In Salt Lake City, Utah, local student activist Grace Christiansen organized an “Our Power, Our Planet” themed rally. The Earth Action Rally was the second hosted by Christiansen and featured EARTHDAY.ORG Volunteer Coordinator, Lee Franklin as a speaker. You can watch a short video about the rally on our instagram page.

Conclusion

These local groups across the U.S. united people in their own community, their states, and the whole nation, to uplift the theme of “Our Power, Our Planet.” They used Earth Day to activate thousands of people and build a foundation for future action in their own back yards. That is what Earth Day is all about.

PULLQUOTE: Earth Day makes a difference because it reminds us that caring for the earth is directly connected to caring for ourselves. Gardening and green spaces support mental health by reducing stress, building confidence, and creating a sense of purpose, especially for youth and individuals of all abilities. At the same time, growing fresh food helps families make healthier choices and strengthens long-term wellness. Tammy Black from The Manistique Community Treehouse Center