City to Observe Environmental Action Events This Spring

The City of Portsmouth declared itself an Eco-Municipality in 2007. Since then, it has taken steps to improve the environment in areas under the City’s direct control. In addition, it has encouraged private property owners, who control 71 percent of land within the City, to take steps to mitigate hazards to the environment. The City’s Planning & Sustainability Department is currently completing a Climate Action Plan, a key part of the forthcoming Citywide Master Plan, which has engaged the community in order to frame Portsmouth’s Climate Future. For more information visit: portsnh.co/climatefuture.

April is traditionally the month for celebrating environmental action, particularly since the creation of Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Events are planned throughout the month to inform the public of the steps they can take to help.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day – On Saturday, April 13, 2024 between 8 am and 12 noon the Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold its biannual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day at the Public Works facility at 680 Peverly Hill Road. Residents of Portsmouth, Greenland, and Newington are encouraged to bring household chemicals for safe disposal. Household hazardous waste collection helps safely dispose of items that can harm residents' health, the environment, and drinking water supplies. Proof of residency is required. Collection Day is organized as a drive-through service. Residents stay in their vehicles and pull through the Public Works garage, where staff will remove the disposable items. Residents will be asked verbally about their town of residence for survey purposes, in compliance with EPA requirements. For details of what items are accepted and which are not, visit: https://portsnh.co/hazwaste.

Sustainability Fair – On Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 12 to 3 pm the Portsmouth Public Library and more than 30 other local organizations will present the Second Annual Sustainability Fair at the Connie Bean Center, 155 Parrott Avenue. The DPW Water/Stormwater/Wastewater Division plans to feature a number of “Think Blue! What can you do?” initiatives, including the return of its popular low-flush toilet demonstration. In addition, the Planning & Sustainability Department will have information about the Climate Action Plan and members of the Conservation Commission will highlight the work of land conservation and sustainable land practices in Portsmouth. Admission is free, this event is open to the public. Learn how to fight climate change and hear about sustainability efforts in NH. For more information, visit: portsnh.co/sustainfair24.

“Water Has a Memory” Exhibit – Late April also marks the opening of the enhanced “Water Has a Memory” exhibit at Strawbery Banke Museum. The exhibit highlights the partnership between the City, Strawbery Banke and the UNH Earth Systems Research Center and features a live groundwater monitoring station. For more information, visit: strawberybanke.org/water-has-a- memory.

Arbor Day – On Friday, April 26, 2024 at 8:30 am the DPW Parks and Greenery Division hosts its annual celebration of Arbor Day with tree planting and reading of the Mayor’s Arbor Day Proclamation. The Arbor Day Foundation has honored the City of Portsmouth with its Tree City Award for more than 20 consecutive years and also recognized its support of the urban forest with a Tree Growth Award. Founded in 1976, Tree City USA is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters. The award results from meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least two dollars per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA Growth Award recognizes Portsmouth for demonstrating environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care. For more information, visit: portsnh.co/PortsmouthTrees.

Earth Week – Looking ahead, the Portsmouth High School Eco-Club is planning to celebrate Earth Week from May 5 to May 11, 2024. They conclude the week with the Third Annual Seacoast Spring Market on Saturday, May 11 at Portsmouth High School at 50 Andrew Jarvis Drive, from 10 am - 2 pm.