The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is inviting residents to participate in a series of events throughout April in recognition of Earth Month, with activities focused on sustainability, environmental education, and community engagement.
The lineup includes workshops, cleanups, clothing swaps, and larger events like the 11th Annual GreenFest and the two-day Montgomery County Energy Summit, offering residents multiple opportunities to learn about and take part in environmentally friendly practices.
County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized the importance of local action amid broader environmental concerns, noting that the County continues to focus on reducing emissions, investing in clean energy, and encouraging residents to make practical changes in their daily lives. DEP Director Jennifer Macedonia added that community participation is essential to achieving sustainability goals and encouraged residents to get involved not only during April but year-round.
Events scheduled throughout the month include an “Ask an EV Owner” virtual session on April 1, clothing mending and swap events in Rockville and Germantown, a gas-to-electric leaf blower trade-in program, and a community cleanup in Silver Spring. Additional workshops will cover stormwater management and sustainable landscaping, including a Spanish-language session at Brookside Gardens.
Signature events include GreenFest on April 26 at BlackRock Center for the Arts, featuring environmental exhibits and activities, and the Montgomery County Energy Summit on April 28 and 29 at Silver Spring Civic Building, which will focus on green building, renewable energy, and energy efficiency for professionals across the region.
In addition to these events, DEP will support more than 200 community and school-based activities throughout the month and continue ongoing programs such as food scrap recycling drop-offs and educational installations at local libraries. Officials say the goal is to make environmental stewardship accessible and actionable for residents across Montgomery County.
