Earth Day/Arbor Day 2026

Each year on Earth Day and Arbor Day, people across the country demonstrate support for environmental protection and reflect on the important role that trees play in our world. Trees help clean our air, reduce the effects of climate change, provide habitat for wildlife, and help save energy.

Event Details

• Triton Museum of Art, 1505 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara
• Thursday, April 2, 2026
• 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

This free community-wide special event celebrates the environment and will feature a performance, tree climbing demonstration, tree planting ceremony, exhibitor booths promoting environmental education, and a pedestrian rodeo as part of our Santa Clara Safe Routes to School Program!

Please reach out to environment@santaclaraca.gov if you have any questions regarding the event.

Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA and Growth Award

The benefits that trees bring to our urban environment are tremendous and the City of Santa Clara recognizes the importance of a robust and thriving urban forest. Tree City USA is a nationally recognized program that began in 1976 and is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters. Towns and cities that have received their Tree City USA recognition take pride in this distinction and the people who live there enjoy the valuable benefits of having a greener, healthier community. For its commitment to managing, expanding, and preserving our urban forest, the City of Santa Clara has been designated a Tree City USA community for the 38th time by the Arbor Day Foundation. The trees we plant now show our commitment to the environment and future generations.

Among cities that receive the Tree City USA recognition, there are a few that go above and beyond the basic requirements. To recognize higher levels of tree care and environmental stewardship, the Growth Award was created. This award highlights innovative programs and projects as well as increased commitment of resources for urban forestry. Santa Clara has received this extra special recognition 25 times!

Environmentally Focused Children’s Book Readings

Callie discovers that the big tree in her front yard is very special! She learns about the wonderful benefits the City planted tree provides her home in My City Tree Cares for Me.

Visit the City of Santa Clara's Earth Day and Arbor Day video playlist for more book readings from previous years.

10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day/Arbor Day at Home