Since 2007, Earth Hour has been known for the symbolic “lights off” movement, where people are asked to turn off their lights for one hour in the evening to take action for the planet. This year on March 28, let’s go beyond the switch off, and give 60 minutes of our time doing something – anything – that makes a positive impact for our planet. Looking for ideas? Keep reading!
Get Active Outdoors
Whether you’re jogging in a park, doing yoga by the beach, or meditating under the trees, every mindful moment outdoors deepens your connection to nature – and your motivation to protect it.
In the City of Burlington, we have:
- An extensive system of recreational trails to be enjoyed by pedestrians and cyclists. Explore a new part of the city by walking or riding on our waterfront, parks or trails.
- Over 100 parks with open green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Use our Parks and Facilities locator to find a park close to you, or perhaps a new park you’ve never been to before.
- A variety of outdoor play options and locations. Whether you are looking for a skateboarding area, sports field, baseball diamond, basketball, pickleball or tennis courts, you can find them all and more in our parks.
You don’t have to go far for more awe-inspiring nature and outdoor activities. Conservation Halton, Royal Botanical Gardens and Bronte Creek Provincial Park are all nearby! Did you know with your Burlington Public Library card, you can borrow passes to get free admission to these locations? Visit their website to learn more about the Community Access Pass program.
Your Burlington Public Library card can also let you check out a Birding Kit, which includes everything you need to observe wild birds in their natural habitat. Whether you take your birding kit on the trail, or to your own backyard, you can enjoy the discovery of wild birds in Burlington.
Get Your Hands Dirty
Gardening is a great way to get out into nature, grow your own food, and contribute to a sustainable community. Itching to start your garden? Check out these opportunities.
The City of Burlington’s community garden program offers seasonal garden plots for residents to grow their own food. Due to high demand, garden plot permits are only for one season, and all applications will have to submit a lottery registration each year. Applications are open from May 1 – Dec. 15.
Your Burlington Public Library card doesn’t just let you check out books – you can also check out seeds from the seed library! Seasonal seeds for herbs, veggies, flowers and more are available on a first-come, first-served basis at all BPL branches until supply runs out, starting April 1. The selection of seeds changes each year, so be sure to check out the website for the list of 2026 spring seeds.
Support a more nature-friendly community by purchasing a native plant kit this year at BurlingtonGreen’s Native Plant Sale. While supplies last, kits for sun-loving, shade-loving, and monarch gardens are available, as well as four types of native wildflower seed packets prepared by BurlingtonGreen volunteers. 100% of the proceeds from the plant kit and seed sales directly support BurlingtonGreen’s programming to protect and care for local green space and habitat.
Get Ideas Flowing
Let stories spark environmental action. By educating ourselves on our planet’s history, we also gain a better understanding of why we need to safeguard its future.
Bring out the popcorn and watch a nature documentary. The Emmy-award winning series Our Planet narrated by David Attenborough is available for free on YouTube. You can also check out a nature documentary from Burlington Public Library.
Explore a book that reveals the wonders and challenges of our interconnected world. Burlington Public Library offers curated booklists about planet earth, our natural world, climate and the environment for adults and children.
Visit Spirit of the Lake, a new Indigenous art exhibition at Crawford Lake Conservation Area. Through this exhibition, you can explore the lake’s spirit and history in new ways. The gallery features the work of four talented Indigenous artists from across Turtle Island, along with an interactive holographic experience where you can learn from Elders, scientists, and Conservation Halton staff about what makes Crawford Lake so unique. Drop by the Deer Clan Longhouse at Crawford Lake between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until June 28, 2026 to experience this inspiring and educational art installation.
Even our young minds can start thinking about how they can take action for the planet. Check out these curated themed packs of fun, accessible and educational activities and printables from the Earth Hour team, designed to meaningfully engage children.
Take Action Burlington! Let’s all give an hour to protect and care for our Earth. Collectively, we can make a difference.
Take Action Burlington 