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Celebrating Earth Month in Madison

Monika Ford

Madison's Capitol viewed from down State St with pedestrians and cyclists in summer
Published March 25, 2026

April is Earth Month, an opportunity to come together and show appreciation for our planet. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate Earth Month, from small changes you can make in your daily life to inspiring events happening around Madison. 

Practice the three Rs: Reduce, reuse, recycle 

Take this month to commit to small, sustainable actions in your everyday life that can support a healthier planet. 

  • Walk, bike or bus when possible.

Did you know? Madison Public Library’s BCycle Community Pass program allows you to check out a seven-day BCycle pass to access one of over 350 electric-assist bikes around Madison.

  • Combat food waste by starting an at-home compost system, or locate a compost drop-off station at a participating farmer’s market. 

  • Reduce your energy consumption. Check out these tips from Madison Gas and Electric.

  • Before buying new, see if you can make repairs or find what you need by exploring thrift stores, online community marketplaces or zero-waste shops. Shop at businesses that focus on sustainability and are actively working to reduce their climate impact.

  • Help protect our lakes with these tips from Clean Lakes Alliance.

Join Overture’s free Community Clothing Swap on Saturday, April 18, 9am-3pm, to give your lightly used clothing a second life and to find something new to love in the process. Focused on reducing fast fashion waste, this event is the perfect opportunity to clean out your closet and shop for new clothes while embracing conscious consumption.

Overture Center's

Community Clothing Swap

Saturday, April 18, 9am - 3pm

Bring your pre-loved clothes. Discover new wardrobe treasures. Free and open to the public.

Learn More & RSVP
A standing rack filled with clothing hung on wooden hangers, ranging in colors and fabric textures.

Volunteer and connect with nature 

As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to get outside, reconnect with nature—and do some good while you’re at it! Volunteer at one of these upcoming events to make the outdoors cleaner, safer and more beautiful.

Can’t make these events? Organize your own cleanup event by inviting friends and neighbors to pick up trash at your outdoor spot of choice. 

Enjoy a picnic or walk at a nearby city park or venture to one of the many Wisconsin State Parks to take in the views and explore the hiking trails. Take advantage of the spring weather to breathe fresh air and enjoy all the beautiful places being preserved and protected.

Learn something new

Discover the newest climate wins and challenges from scientists, learn about Earth’s diversity and explore how you can make a real impact. Find recommendations for books, films and podcasts through the public library, bookstores, streaming platforms’ collections or search online. 

Plus, learn from local experts at events like UW-Madison's Earth Fest which hosts various educational events on April 17-23, from virtual lectures to outdoor activities. Don't miss the keynote presentation led by environmentalist and storyteller Isaias Hernandez (known as @queerbrownvegan online) on Tuesday, April 21, 4-7pm.

  • Photo by Lauren Graves, UW–Madison Office of Sustainability

  • Sustain Dane Clean-Up Event at Garver Feed Mill

  • UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin speaking at Earth Fest 2024. Photo by Hedi LaMarr Rudd

Garden, grow your own food and eat local 

Spring is the start of gardening season, and with it, an opportunity to improve your yard’s biodiversity and grow your own food! Start a native plant garden, a raised veggie bed or keep it small with a planter of herbs or pollinator flowers. Organic gardens help improve air and soil quality, absorb water runoff and provide important habitats for butterflies and birds, all while adding beauty to your home and neighborhood. 

Did you know? Madison Public Libraries provide free seed packets to start your garden at home. Check out their website to find a participating location near you.

April also kicks off the downtown farmers' market, a chance to buy local produce directly from farmers around Wisconsin. Catch the last winter farmers' market on April 4 at Garver Feed Mill before the Saturday markets on Capitol Square start on April 11. Other neighborhood markets start later in the spring.

Engage with your community 

Take advantage of this month to have fun with friends and connect deeper with your local community. 

Join a local organization dedicated to supporting the environment, such as 350 Wisconsin or Sustain Dane, which Overture has been a member of since 2024. These networks are great ways to meet others with similar passions through meetups and activities. 

Check out Madison Children’s Museum’s upcoming Adult Swim event on Friday, April 10, 5:30-9pm “Green Vibes Only.” This 21+ only night lets adults enjoy the museum with an Earth Month focus. Enjoy upcycled crafts, trivia and a recycled obstacle course.


While reducing our environmental impact should be a focus year-round, this month is a time to focus deeper on protecting and appreciating the natural world—no matter how you participate!

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