On April 22, 1970, approximately 20 million Americans took to the streets, college campuses, and city centers to protest environmental pollution and demand a new way forward for our planet. The first Earth Day was a response to communities in crisis; environmental disasters like oil spills and increasing air pollution were causing public health problems across the entire nation. The link between the environment and public health was clear, and communities called for change. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of monumental environmental laws.
Earth Day is now celebrated by communities around the world, with each year bringing a new environmental focus. For the 53nd year of Earth Day, communities are called to invest in our planet.
Are you looking for ways to give back this Earth Week? Join us at one of our community events below!
- Burien Earth Day – Miller Creek Trail Restoration
- April 22, 9:30 a.m–noon
- Please park at the Miller Creek Trail trailhead
- Registration required
- Burien Earth Day – Salmon Creek Park
- April 22, noon–4 p.m.
- Registration required
How is the City of Burien protecting the environment and promoting sustainable actions?
The City of Burien is dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable actions through programs and policy. Some of the City’s most notable accomplishments are:
- Adopting the City’s first Climate Action Plan in November 2021
- Prioritizing restoration of Burien’s urban forest though adoption of the Green Burien Urban Forest Stewardship Plan
- Holding tree give-a-way events to help with achieving our canopy cover goals
- Providing environmental enrichment and education programming
- Passing environmentally focused laws around waste reduction and prevention
- Passing laws to protect Burien’s trees and invest in nature-based solutions
- Providing funding for tree planting through a neighborhood matching fund to increase tree equity
Want to learn more?
- Read Earth Day and Arbor Day Proclamations issued by the City of Burien on April 3, 2023.
- Read the Burien Climate Action Plan 2022 Annual Report.
- Learn more about ways to get involved in helping protect Burien’s environment.