Preserving our Natural Environment
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, encourages us to think critically about how we can help protect the natural environment. Union County residents have many opportunities to learn about nature, enjoy being outdoors and help preserve our natural resources. 

Explore Nature 
Cane Creek Park offers several outdoor activities for all ages to connect with nature, such as multi-use mountain bike and horse trails, playground and picnic areas, and a StoryWalk currently featuring Hudson Talbott's "A Walk in the Words." 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
In the busyness of everyday life, it's easy to buy more than what you need or rush to replace an item instead of repairing it. When you need to dispose of something, try to find a way to reuse it, give it away, or recycle it. Visit our Waste & Recycling page for more information. 

Litter Clean-Up Events
Help us beautify Union County by organizing a litter clean-up for your community, civic or church group. Our Solid Waste team loans supplies for clean-up efforts, including litter grabbers, gloves, safety vests, and trash bags. Click here to learn more.

Learn about Nature
Check out Union County Library's selection of books, magazines and movies to gain a deeper understanding of nature and discover ways to live more sustainably. Collections are also available online with 24/7 access through Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy, visit our digital streaming page for more details. Children can enjoy an Earth Day celebration at Union West Regional Library in Indian Trail or at the Main Library in Monroe.

Plus, Union County Soil & Water Conservation offers free environmental education programs throughout the year for students of all ages. Staff also provide hands-on training to support local Envirothon teams and their advisors. 

Conserve Water
Union County Water encourages water conservation year-round, with restrictions on usage for irrigation purposes and a billing structure that rewards water conservation. Learn how you can save water and money at unionconserves.com. 

Dispose of Electronics Safely & Properly
Electronic waste is a growing category of materials that find their way to the landfill, although most electronics are recyclable. Union County accepts electronics for recycling at our waste and recycling convenient sites. Learn more on our Waste and Recycling page. 

Protecting Groundwater Resources
Environmental Health is committed to protecting groundwater resources to ensure a safe and adequate supply of water for well users, with nearly 25% of Union County’s population relying on private wells as their source of drinking water. Groundwater protection is accomplished through proper location, construction, permitting, and inspection of wells. Learn more about well maintenance and water quality testing at ucgov.info/wells.

Plant a Garden
Understanding your soil's pH levels and nutrient requirements is key to ensuring your garden's success. Union County Cooperative Extension offers soil sample test kits located at the Union County Agricultural Center and any Union County Public Library; visit ucgov.info/soil-test for more details. For more gardening tips, visit Union County Master Gardener's video page. 

Support Local Farmers
Show your support for local growers and producers. Purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables at the Union County Farmer's Market (805 Skyway Dr., Monroe) between 8 a.m. and noon on Saturdays from April through December.

These are just some of the ways that you can demonstrate environmental stewardship and conserve our natural resources on Earth Day and throughout the year.