The city of Kirkland invites community members to celebrate Earth Month this April to inspire environmental awareness and engage in environmental stewardship. Throughout the month residents will have opportunities to learn about green initiatives, attend events, and learn about individual actions that can be taken to help the environment.

“Earth Month is a reminder that communities and individuals can make a positive impact to reduce the use of fossil fuels, produce or purchase clean renewable energy to mitigate climate change and reduce environmental impacts, and reduce waste,” said Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold. “The Kirkland community continually show this commitment, and Earth Month is an opportunity to explore more ways to contribute.”

Over the past several years, the city has taken steps to create a more sustainable future. The Arbor Day Foundation recently announced the city of Kirkland as a 2021 Tree City USA for its commitment to effective urban forest management, and the city has been part of the program for 19 years, during which they’ve been recognized as a leader in community forestry.

The Kirkland city council updated the city’s Tree Code to balance property development with the preservation of trees. The amended Tree Code supports Kirkland’s efforts to preserve and maintain a 40% tree canopy in the city.

On Dec. 8, 2020, the Kirkland City Council adopted Kirkland’s Sustainability Master Plan (SMP), which identifies about 200 actions the city and community can take to help achieve environmental, economic, and equitable sustainability goals.

The first annual update of the SPM will be delivered at a city council meeting on April 19, and actions completed during the plan’s initial year include appointing a Sustainability Manager and completing an equity assessment of the city to inform the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging 5-Year Roadmap.

Get involved with Earth Month events

• April 22 marks State Parks Free Day, where anyone can visit a Washington State Park with no fee or Discover Pass required. The city of Kirkland recommends visiting the nearby Bridle Trails State Park, or St. Edward State Park.
• Habitat Stewardship events with Green Kirkland Partnership will take place all month, and volunteers can restore parks, forests, and other natural spaces with Green Kirkland Partnership.
• Classes held include the Cascade Water Alliance Gardner Series, which are free gardening classes on how to garden with sustainable water use in mind.

Rebates, projects, and community initiatives

• The city of Kirkland is offering tree planting certificates, up to $500 per property, for use at participating nurseries. The tree certificates will allow for trees to be planted on one’s property with little or no out of pocket cost.
• The Yard Smart Rain Rewards program provides technical assistance and financial rebates—up to $3,000 for private property owners—to install rain gardens, cisterns, and native landscaping to assist with managing the flow of rainwater runoff.
• Let’s Quit Idling is a community led effort to educate individuals on the effects of idling and encourages all to turn off car engines when not driving.
• Kirkland offers numerous free electric vehicle charging stations at City Hall, Marina Park, and the Kirkland Library.
• To reduce environmental impacts caused by traffic, Kirkland Green Trip was created for residents to plan the most sustainable routes to and from work, school, and home.

For more information visit www.kirklandwa.gov/earthday throughout the month.