City of Burien

Earth Day

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 54th year of Earth Day, communities are called to invest in our planet.

Abor Day

In 1872, the Nebraska Board of Agriculture established a special day to be set aside for the planting of trees called Arbor Day. Today Arbor Day is celebrated around the world to celebrate the benefits of trees and the hope they provide for a greener future. Trees provide an array of benefits and can reduce soil erosion, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate temperature, clean air, reduce stormwater runoff, produce oxygen, provide habitat for wildlife, and are a renewable resource providing us with wood products. Coast Salish peoples, Burien's original residents, rely on trees for essential food, medicine, and construction materials. Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal; planting trees and stewarding Burien's urban forest helps our community take steps toward environmental justice. In recognition of the benefits of trees, the Burien City Council adopted the Green Burien Partnership Urban Forest Stewardship Plan in 2020, which sets a goal of increasing the health of our urban forest and equitably increasing tree canopy cover from 30% to 40% by 2038. Burien is committed to furthering urban forestry and has been a Tree City USA city for 23 years with 6 years of growth award. 

Learn

• Rainwater Harvesting
  • April 19, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
  • Learn about rainwater harvesting, tips and tricks for success, and take home your own rain barrel.
• Reducing Food Waste
  • April 19, 1-2 p.m.
  • Learn how to maximize your food through proper storage, label reading, and innovative recipes.

Registration is required for both workshops. To register, email [email protected] with name, contact, and workshop you wish to attend. 

Get Involved

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 26, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
  • Please park at the Miller Creek Trail trailhead
  • Registration required
• Burien Earth Day – Hilltop Park
  • April 26, 12-3 p.m.
  • Registration required

Want to learn more?

• Learn more about ways to get involved in helping protect Burien’s environment.

Updated February 26, 2025