Charlotte Mecklenburg Climate Leaders

Earth Day Stream Cleanup and Storm Drain Marking
2026-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | 715 Charlottetowne Ave
Celebrate Earth Day by supporting healthy waterways! Stream cleanups involve removing litter from the stream and surrounding areas to improve water quality and wildlife habitat! Storm Drain Marking involves driving to a secondary location and gluing a small placard to the storm drain in the area. During Storm Drain Marking, we will be using an app called Quick Capture to log the drains we mark. You can choose which activity you’d like to participate in! Register here.

2026 Carolinas Climate Summit
2026-04-16 08:30 - 16:00 UTC | Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte, 320 East 9th St, Charlotte, NC, 28202, United States
Join WFAE and climate experts, community leaders and advocates for a day-long series of sessions exploring the impact of climate change in the Carolinas and how people at every level are addressing it. Details and registration here.

Charlotte Earth Day
2026-04-11 08:30 - 15:00 UTC | Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC, 28213, United States
Charlotte’s largest annual Earth Day celebration brings together community members to celebrate our environment, engage families with fun educational activities, foster lifelong connections with nature, and connect attendees with environmentally conscious organizations and businesses from the Charlotte area. This year with Carolina Farm Trust Food Truck and two short environmental awareness films!

NC commission seeks public comments on polluter-written PFAS rules
2026-04-09 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Catawba County St. Stephens Branch Library
Proposed polluter-written rules regarding PFAS and 1,4-dioxane do not require polluters to reduce their toxic discharges into drinking water supplies. The rules proposed by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission impose no consequences even if polluters increase their toxic pollution. The public can submit comments on these proposed rules by email at publiccomments@deq.nc.gov and at this in-person hearing. Details here.

Charlotte Forever Chemicals Film Screening
2026-04-07 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Free Range Brewing, 2320 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC, 28205, United States
North Carolina Conservation Network (NCCN) will be hosting the screening of two documentaries within the Fear in the Water: PFAS Stories series on Tuesday, April 7th. The films highlight stories of communities that have been affected by forever chemicals and also will highlight ways that you can help fight forever chemical pollution here in NC. After the screening, we will have a panel and short Q&A with our friends from Sierra Club Charlotte. We will also be doing a free raffle of Sierra Club and NC Conservation Network merchandise! Register here.

Bird Walk at Wing Haven
2026-04-06 08:30 - 10:00 UTC | Wing Haven
Do you love nature and birds? Whether you are a novice or bird expert, you are sure to find delight in this special bird walk experience – a 60-90 minute stroll through a historic garden. The entire property is about 3 acres. Bring your binoculars! Tickets are $5. Register here.

End of Season TreeAdoption
2026-03-28 08:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York)
Learn more from TreesCharlotte.

Rooted & Reading Book Club
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Petty Thieves Brewing, 413 Dalton Ave Suite B, Charlotte, NC, 28206, United States
Make sure you have picked up a copy of Doug Tallamy’s Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard, the first selection of the TreesCharlotte bookclub. We are looking forward to thoughtful conversations, learning, and a deeper connection to the environment around us.⁠ A big THANK YOU to Petty Thieves Brewing for hosting our quarterly book club socials.

Creek Week Cleanup
2026-03-22 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | Chantilly Ecological Sanctuary
Charlotte Wildlife Stewards will participate in Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services’ annual Creek Week! We will work together to remove trash and debris in and around Briar Creek at Chantilly Ecological Sanctuary. Join us in restoring habitat by removing trash that harms wildlife here and downstream. This is a family-friendly event. Habitat stewards of today and the future are all welcome! Register here.

South Meck County TreeAdoption
2026-03-21 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)

Discover Charlotte: Protect McCrorey Heights’ Future
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | First Baptist Church WEst
Join Sustain Charlotte in McCrorey Heights for a powerful neighborhood walk led by resident volunteers who know and love their community. We’ll explore this vibrant, historic neighborhood—long home to influential Black leaders and families who have shaped Charlotte’s story. Learn more here.

NC Utilities Commission Hearing
2026-03-18 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Mecklenburg County Courthouse, 832 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC, United States
The Carbon Plan should be an opportunity to reshape NC’s energy future and protect community health. That means no new fossil fuel infrastructure or power plants. Unfortunately, the draft Carbon Plan proposed by Duke Energy fails to meet the moment, calling for more investments in polluting, outdated fossil fuels. Continuing to rely on gas and coal would put our state’s climate targets out of reach while pumping out air pollutants that jeopardize our health and make us sick.
With guidance from CleanAIRE NC, we are speaking up at hearings and submitting public comments. The Charlotte public hearing will be Wednesday, March 18th at 7pm at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.
Want to be even more involved? Our friends at League of Conservation Voters are hosting a rally before the March 18th hearing at 5:30pm behind the Courthouse. Details and RSVP here. It’s time to speak out against fossil fuels!
Learn more about the NC Carbon Plan and see other key public hearing dates on CleanAIRE NC’s dedicated webpage.

NC Carbon Plan Public Hearing
2026-03-16 18:30 - 21:30 UTC | Virtual
Attend or speak at this hearing about Duke Energy’s draft Carbon Plan. The first 20 individuals registered by 5 p.m. on March 9 will be allowed to testify at the March 16 remote public witness hearing. To help us track attendance, coordinate our efforts, and ensure we have a strong presence at hearings across the state, please fill out this quick form if you plan to attend a hearing.

The Power of Trees
2026-03-10 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Sardis Baptist Church
As if you didn’t already love trees? Join Charlotte Wildlife Stewards and Urban Forest Educator Heather Brent for a deep dive into arboriculture and the many benefits of trees and forests. Heather will provide insights into what you can do to help our urban forest thrive and also ways to get involved with TreesCharlotte! Register here.

West Zip Codes TreeAdoption
2026-02-28 08:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York)

Documentary Night with SolNation and CMCL
2026-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC, 28213, United States
Join us for a viewing of Environmental Justice is Food Sovereignty.
This documentary explores how access to healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food is deeply connected to environmental justice, health, and community stability. Through local voices and real experiences, the film sheds light on food deserts, the quality of food available in under-resourced neighborhoods, and the barriers many families face when trying to make healthy choices. It also highlights community-led solutions, including urban farming and neighborhood organizing, that are working to reclaim food systems from the ground up.
For community members, this documentary is meant to be both affirming and empowering. It reflects lived experiences that are often overlooked, while also showing that change is possible when communities lead the way. Viewers will leave with a stronger understanding of how food access connects to larger systems like housing, health, and economic opportunity, and with renewed motivation to support and participate in efforts that build healthier, more resilient neighborhoods.
Register here.

CMCL Committee Meeting: Clean Energy & NC Carbon Plan
2026-02-24 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Zoom
2026 Goals

Organize members to attend the NC Utilities Commission public hearing on March 18 and/or provide testimony on Duke Energy’s latest update to the NC Carbon Plan
Organize members to attend the NC Utilities Commission public hearing later in the year and/or provide testimony on Duke Energy’s proposed rate hike
Research data center expansion in North Carolina, particularly in our region, and work with statewide partners and CleanAIRE NC to determine a specific advocacy role for CMCL

Email CMCL at cmcl@cleanairenc.org if you are interested in attending this committee meeting.

NC CCL Utilities Commission Training
2026-02-18 19:30 - 20:30 UTC | Zoom
Duke Energy has submitted its most recent Carbon Plan proposal to the NC Utilities Commission, with more gas and less wind, plus rising emissions in the short term. Please register for the trainings to prepare to speak out on Duke’s Carbon plan at one of the upcoming hearings. You will be sent a Zoom link for the trainings and supporting information. Register here.

CMCL Committee Meeting: Marketing & Engagement
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Zoom
2026 Goals:

Quarterly events
Paid internship: funding and internship development
Subcommittees

Events: Billie
Development: Kristen
Youth Engagement: Manasi & Saha

Email CMCL at cmcl@cleanairenc.org if you are interested in attending this meeting.

CMCL Committee Meeting: Transportation & Land Use
2026-02-17 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom
Email CMCL at cmcl@cleanairenc.org if you are interested in attending this committee meeting.

CMCL Committee Meeting: City & County Policy
2026-02-17 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Zoom
This committee was formed after the Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP) was approved by Charlotte City Council in 2018. Members have continued to be engaged with implementation of the Strategic Energy Action Plan over the years by participating in energy, transportation, workforce development, and buildings groups, having City sustainability staff report updates at our meetings, and advocating for additional funding for SEAP at City budget hearings. Members have also challenged City Sustainability staff to provide the public with updated goals which they did and the Charlotte Council approved the SEAP+ in 2025. Three members of CMCL are members of the SEAP+ Advisory Board.
The committee also engages with the Mecklenburg County Commissioner’s Environmental Stewardship Committee and other governmental bodies on issues related to climate change.

Email CMCL at cmcl@cleanairenc.org if you are interested in attending this committee meeting.

CMCL Committee Meeting: CMS & Sustainability
2026-02-10 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | Zoom
2026 Goals

Follow up with CMS Board members with survey results, emphasizing their support for hiring a clean energy consultant or having a dedicated staff member.

Research clean energy currently in other school systems, such as Durham and Roanoke, to gain an understanding of financing opportunities and long-term cost savings.

Get a commitment from CMS to move forward with clean energy in some manner.

Confirm CMS status with electric school buses and make sure that CMS is taking advantage of any opportunities.

Email CMCL at cmcl@cleanairenc.org if you are interested in attending this committee meeting.

McCrorey Heights TreeDay
2026-02-07 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Walter G. Byers Elementary School, 1415 Hamilton St, Charlotte, NC, 28206, United States
TreesCharlotte will be planting trees in the McCrorey Heights, Walter G. Byers Elementary School, and Greenville. This has been made possible by our Treesilience sponsors.
TreesCharlotte will:

Provide all the tools needed for planting.
Offer a tree-planting demonstration by our Staff and TreeMasters (trained volunteers).
Have TreeMasters guide and supervise tree planting, mulching, and placing tree guards.
Take photos and gather testimonials.

Events are held rain or shine; details will be emailed to registered volunteers and community members the week of the event.

Nature Therapy Walk
2026-02-07 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Van Landingham Glen at UNCC
Join instructor Jennifer Bueno-Hutchens for a relaxing 2.5- to 3-hour stroll through the forest at Van Landingham Glen. Through a series of invitations, you will have an opportunity to focus on being present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community, and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer. This event is free to UNC Charlotte students, staff and faculty with a valid UNC Charlotte ID. Learn more and register.

Trees Without Leaves: A Winter Tree ID Walk
2026-01-29 16:30 - 17:30 UTC | Independence Park
Have you ever tried to identify a tree with no leaves? Want to take your tree ID skills to the next level—even in winter? Join our arborists on January 29th at Independence Park, for a Winter Tree Identification Walk! During this guided walk, you’ll learn how to identify trees by examining buds, bark, branching patterns, and overall structure, which are key skills every tree enthusiast should know when the leaves are gone. Learn more here.

Sustain Charlotte Ambassador Training
2026-01-24 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Plaza Midwood Library
Join us for our volunteer training to become an ambassador for Sustain Charlotte! This free training session will last approximately two hours at the Plaza Midwood Library’s community room. Volunteers will be guided through an initial staff presentation about the mission and history of Sustain Charlotte and learn about efforts being taken today to generate a healthier, more equitable, and vibrant community. Register here.

Tree Maintenance and Tree Seedling Sale
2025-12-13 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | 128 Placid Place, 128 Placid Place, Charlotte, 28211
Tree maintenance involves caring for trees planted in flood plains to help with stream stability and to provide habitat. During this event, Charlotte Stormwater will be removing invasives plants, pruning, and mulching. We’ll also have representatives from Mecklenburg County Soil & Water Conservation District to take orders for their seedling sale. This is a great way to add some native trees to your home! Sign up here.

Keep Charlotte Beautiful Street Cleanup
2025-12-13 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Panera Bread, 3625 City Park Drive, Charlotte
Go clean and green by joining NCWF Charlotte Wildlife Stewards Chapter in a trash cleanup along a stretch of Tyvola Road. Trash is harmful to wildlife and pollutes our streams, rivers, and oceans. Did you know that every 25 pounds of trash collected turns into a native tree planted by the North Carolina Wildlife Federation? That’s the green part! All tools and equipment will be provided. Register here.

East Zip Codes TreeAdoption
2025-12-13 08:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York)

Holiday Sweets for Kids (HS4K)
2025-12-12 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | Nourish Up, 901 Carrier Dr, Charlotte, 28216, United States
This holiday season, R.I.C.’s Market is coming together to spread warmth, joy, and sweetness to children who don’t have the comfort of stable housing. Our goal is to pack 500 festive gift boxes filled with healthy snacks, holiday treats, a mini-gingerbread house kit and love — and we need your hands and hearts to make it happen! Sign up to volunteer here and donate here.
