Earth Day is celebrated on April 22, a date to remember, raise awareness, but above all to act. According to the Earth Day Organization, the commemoration was established in the United States in 1970. The objective is to promote environmental awareness and protection of the planet. Currently, the date involves communities all over the world.
In Peekskill and nearby areas of the Hudson Valley, the commemoration includes a series of public activities focused on environmental education, conservation, and civic participation. The initiatives include community cleanups, cultural events, and recreational programs organized by local institutions and civic organizations.
These programs have been established for some time and, in many cases, are held annually. The initiatives combine volunteer participation with municipal efforts and community organizations dedicated to the care of public spaces. The events about the topic are diverse. However, for the 2026 edition, The Herald has compiled five activities worth attending as part of the regional Earth Day agenda. The events will take place between April 20 and April 27.
Citywide Parks Cleanup And Arbor Day Celebration
Riverfront Green Park
On Saturday, April 25, the City of Peekskill will hold its annual Arbor Day and parks cleanup event. The activity will begin at 8:30 a.m. and run until 11:30 a.m. A recognition event is scheduled at 12 p.m. at Riverfront Green. The commemoration is organized as a coordinated volunteer effort across multiple city parks.
According to the Peekskill Conservation Advisory Council, volunteers will be distributed across several locations, including Riverfront North and South, Charles Point, Peekskill Landing, Fort Hill, Lepore Park, Tompkins Park, Franklin Park, Depew Park, and Monument Park. Tasks include litter collection, basic maintenance of green areas, and general site improvement.
At the conclusion of the event, a tree planting activity will take place at Riverfront as part of Arbor Day. The initiative is also connected to the Tree City USA program by the Arbor Day Foundation. The event will conclude with a community gathering with food and beverages.
Earth Day Celebration At Trailside Museums And Zoo
Bear Mountain State Park
Trailside Museums and Zoo will also celebrate Earth Day on April 25. The program will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is open to the general public and focuses on environmental education activities.
The schedule includes hands-on crafts such as seed ball making and nature necklaces, along with nature-themed educational games. Live animal presentations will also be offered, providing information on conservation and wildlife habitats.
According to organizers, no pre-registration is required. Admission includes a suggested donation of one dollar per person, while parking at Bear Mountain State Park is 10 dollars per vehicle.
Community Day At Garrison Art Center
Garrison Art Center, Garrison
The Garrison Art Center will host its Community Day on the same date, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to the organization, located at 23 Garrison’s Landing, the event is free and open to the public.
The program includes hands-on art workshops, live demonstrations, and a special Earth Day-themed art supply sale. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a raffle featuring prizes such as art education gift cards and a one-year Artist I membership.
Additionally, discounted summer programs will be offered for middle school and high school students.
Peekskill Dog Park Cleanup
Peekskill Dog Park
The Peekskill Dog Park cleanup will take place on Sunday, April 27, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes litter removal from play areas, walking paths, and shared spaces.
The goal is to maintain the park in proper condition for recreational use by the community and its pets.
The event is coordinated with support from Friends of the Peekskill Dog Park, the City of Peekskill, the Recreation Department, and WIN Waste Innovations. These organizations work together on logistics, distribution of cleaning supplies, and overall event coordination, with strong participation from local volunteers.
Special Earth Day Film Screening: The Keeper
Jacob Burns Film Center
The Jacob Burns Film Center, located at 364 Manville Road in Pleasantville, will screen The Keeper on Monday, April 20, at 7 p.m. The screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with director Jon Bowermaster and subject John Lipscomb.
According to the cultural center, the documentary highlights Lipscomb’s more than 25 years of work monitoring and protecting the Hudson River, along with environmental challenges related to industrial and human pollution.
The event is part of the Community Matters: Now More Than Ever series, supported by multiple philanthropic foundations. Ticket prices are 15 dollars for members and 20 dollars for nonmembers.
Additional Events
Additional activities related to Earth Day programming will also take place in Cortlandt during the same period. The Cortlandt Green Team has organized community cleanup initiatives in several municipal areas, including volunteer activities at Furnace Dock Lake, as well as a Shred and Recycle program scheduled for Friday, April 24, starting at 10 a.m.
In the same area, a recreational environmental hike is scheduled for April 19 at Hudson Highlands Gateway Park. Additionally, the Croton Earth Day Celebration 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 2 at Vassallo Park in Croton-on-Hudson.
For more information about any of these events, readers are encouraged to consult the official websites of the participating organizations.
