The City of Guelph is celebrating Earth Month throughout April 2026 with a series of community-focused environmental activities designed to help residents live more sustainably. From public tree planting events to annual giveaways, these initiatives aim to support the municipality’s long-term goal of becoming a net-zero carbon community by 2050.
Residents looking to get their hands dirty can join a tree planting event on April 25, 2026, at the Hanlon Creek Forest, with parking at 335 Laird Road. Running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event is hosted in partnership with the Rotary Club of Guelph and Trees for Guelph. Organizers will provide the trees, shovels, mulch, pails, and instructions for all volunteers. This specific project works to maintain a 4.2-hectare site that serves as a vital ecological link for the local coldwater creek subwatershed, which is home to the city’s last known population of brook trout.
For those interested in greening their own property, the annual Community Tree Giveaway begins on April 22, 2026. Residents can register online to claim up to two free native trees for their yards while supplies last. These efforts contribute to the city’s ongoing environmental work, which includes planting approximately 6,000 trees and shrubs annually in collaboration with community partners.
The city’s environmental efforts extend beyond trees, with a strong focus on sustainable habits and infrastructure. The Clean and Green community cleanup, which saw over 1,800 volunteers in 2025, is aiming for a record turnout this year. Additionally, the city continues to support residents through the Guelph Greener Homes program, which provides grants of up to $15,000 for low-income homeowners to install air-source heat pumps. Other sustainable transportation options in the city include the expanded cycling network, which grew by 156 kilometres between 2023 and 2024, alongside free transit programs for youth and seniors.
