Mayoral Proclamation Commemorating the 56th Earth Day
Whereas April 22 has been designated as the annual celebration of the founding of the environmental movement in 1970 and is now celebrated in the United States and in 141 countries worldwide.
Global warming, global pollution of air, water, and land and global loss of biodiversity from the continued combustion of fossil fuels, the proliferation of plastics, and the advance of environmentally stressful technologies like data centers and fracking are causing disruption of traditionally stable environmental conditions.
Climate warming and pollution cause local increased number and severity of storms with flooding and power outages in both summer and winter, drought conditions, and increases in disease-vectors such as ticks, threatening the well-being and livelihoods of many people.
Pollution, environmental degradation and the climate crisis are generational justice issues that disproportionately affect young individuals and future generations, who will face difficulties accessing clean water and clean air.
The theme for Earth Day 2026 is “Our Power, Our Planet” recognizes the collective ability of individuals, communities, and organizations to drive climate action and environmental protection.
Whereas We recognize that the collective actions of many people contribute significantly to advancing environmental progress through sustained individual actions, civic engagement and grassroots organizing.
The Borough of Forest Hills values the quality of our environment by maintaining our standing as a Tree City since 1974, by participating as a Bird Town, by hosting two active garden clubs- The Forest Hills Garden Club and the Late Bloomers Garden Club.
The Borough of Forest Hills has incorporated environmental values through its Comprehensive Plan, Climate Action Plan and Active Transportation plan, with the participation of hundreds of residents, the Environmental Advisory Council, the Tree and Shrub Committee, and Members of Borough Council.
Forest Hills supports ecosystem restoration and watershed protection in Borough Parks and properties and encourages residents to plant and cultivate native flowers, shrubs and trees to support healthy ecosystems and clean water in our community.
Forest Hills supports the reduction of plastic waste by encouraging all citizens to first Refuse plastic when biodegradable alternatives are available, to Reduce the use of plastic by choosing alternative materials, to Reuse materials that can be adapted to other purposes, and to Recycle as much material as possible.
The Borough of Forest Hills continues its implementation of the Climate Action Goals to reduce dependence on fossil fuel resources by using renewable energy sources in Borough operations and to support citizens in their efforts to use renewable energy and consume energy more efficiently.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Borough of Forest Hills recognizes the gifts of the living Earth that provide our life support system of renewable energy, fresh water, clean air, fertile ground and the wide array of species that constitute the web of life and shall celebrate Earth Day 2026 throughout the month of April with special events:
on Arbor Day on Friday April 24, 2026 at 10:00 am in Forest Hills Park with students from Trinity School to recognize the value mature tree canopies and native PA shrubs bring to our environment and our quality of life; and
on Saturday April 25, 2026 from 9:00 AM to noon Forest Hills will engage the residents of the community in a day of service to clean up accumulated litter and debris from the Parks and streets of the Borough of Forest Hills.
Adopted this 15th Day of April 2026.
Patricia M. DeMarco
Mayor
Patricia DeMarco Ph.D. 