Participate in the Hillsborough Climate Challenge
Updated at 12:31 p.m. on April 21, 2024: This event has been canceled due to weather.
Earth Day is coming up, but caring about our planet is more than a once-a-year activity.
The town is sponsoring the Hillsborough Climate Challenge, a community-organized series of events that highlight sustainable activities and habits in April, leading up to Earth Day.
“The Hillsborough Climate Challenge is a great addition to our community’s overall response to the climate crisis, and I hope residents will explore the numerous practical ways to help make a difference,” Mayor Mark Bell said.
The town has committed to addressing climate change through its renewable energy pledge, adopted in 2017, and Comprehensive Sustainability Plan, adopted last year.
Starting March 18, Hillsborough Climate Challenge passports will be available at the Hillsborough Visitors Center. Each passport comes with a description of the challenge and a calendar of events, activities and climate friendly ideas. Participants will earn a stamp for attending an event. Those with the most stamps will win a prize at the challenge’s celebration day on April 21.
Events that highlight the town and its services include:
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour: 2-4 p.m. April 8 at 355 Elizabeth Brady Road — Learn how the town treats wastewater to preserve the sensitive ecosystems downstream of us. Participants must be at least 10 years old, and a liability waiver will be provided for all participants to sign before the tour begins.
- Comprehensive Sustainability Plan Q&A: 6:30 p.m. April 9 at the Orange County Public Library, 137 W. Margaret Lane — Talk to Stephanie Trueblood, the town’s public space and sustainability manager, about the Comprehensive Sustainability Plan.
- Forest Walks and Talks: 3-5 p.m. April 13 at RambleRill Farm, 913 Arthur Minnis Road — On a guided walk through the woods at RambleRill Farm, spend time among the trees, chat with representatives of the town’s tree board and learn about the role of forests in human and environmental health.
- The Buzz About Pollinators: 2-4 p.m. April 14 at Gold Park, 415 Dimmocks Mill Road — Learn about pollinators at the Bee Hotel in Gold Park. Participate in kids' activities and receive free seeds to start your own pollinator space.
“Climate change is a daunting concept, but there are so many resources to help us understand it and work toward becoming more environmentally sustainable,” said Grace Holtkamp, a Hillsborough Climate Challenge organizer. “Our mission is to make Hillsborough better, stronger and greener.”
Learn more about the challenge by following Hillsborough Climate Challenge on Facebook and Instagram.
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