UPCOMING EVENTS
Click Here for a List of Events that KDB and our Partners are organizing throughout the month of April to celebrate and honor our Mother Earth.
Join us on Thursday, May 1 from 9:30AM to 12:30PM at Campus Hills Park for an Invasive Plant Removal Workshop, produced in partnership with New Hope Bird Alliance, Keep Durham Beautiful, Rewild Earth, and the Durham Cooperative Extension.
Who should attend: Homeowners, HOA Managers, or anyone interested in learning about invasive plant removal. Durham Parks and Landscaping Staff are also invited, and will have the attendance fee waived.
Workshop Goal: To familiarize attendees with the most common and effective tools and methods for invasive plant removal.
Workshop Format: 1 hour educational session followed by 1.5 hour practical application. A portion of the practical will be outdoors.
Fee: $15 (includes drinks/snacks and take-home resources)
Rain date: Friday, May 2, 9:30AM-12:30PM
Join us for Harm Reduction Training 101 with Durham County Public Health Department, led by Morgan Culver, MSc. The training will be held virtually Zoom from 5-6:30PM on Wednesday, May 7th. You will receive the Zoom link the day prior to the event.
This event is considered extra training for our Litter Leader Volunteers, but all are welcome to attend.
This training will cover:
What Harm Reduction is and why it’s a crucial public health intervention
What the Opioid Epidemic is and how it has affected people in Durham and across the United States
How to recognize an opioid overdose and respond with nasal naloxone
How to handle sharps safely to prevent injury and disease transmission
PLEASE RSVP BELOW!
Join Keep Durham Beautiful and The Glass Jug - RTP for a Plant and Seed Swap on Saturday, May 10th from 1-4PM.
What can you bring to the Swap? Seeds or Rooted plants grown from seed, cuttings, or divisions including vegetable plants, herbs, annuals, perennials, houseplants, succulents, even shrubs or trees!
Try to label in advance but if you don't get a chance, we'll have blank labels on site for you. Please avoid NC invasive species. We always love to see natives and pollinator-friendly species.
Don't have much to contribute? No problem. There will be plenty of extra plants and seeds on hand. Just come pick some things up and enjoy yourself!
Gardening enthusiasts and vendors will be on-site to answer questions.
Enjoy a cold beverage from our friends at The Glass Jug while you're here!
Join community members for a cleanup along Carpenter Rd and Ferrell Rd in NE Durham County!
Meeting location: 2306 Ferrell Rd Durham, NC 27704. On Google Maps it will show as a white house, but that house and the one to the left of it are no longer there; it is an empty gravel parking lot right after the train tracks if you're coming from I-85N or Geer St.
Parking Details: Parking is available at 2306 Ferrell Rd and 2607 Carpenter Rd. Volunteers will meet at the Ferrell Rd lot and split into two groups, with one starting at Ferrell and one at Carpenter.
Age limit for children: Due to proximity to busy roads, this event is not recommended for children under the age of 13.
All supplies will be provided, including gloves. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable closed-toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty.
Come out to Durham Central Park (501 Foster Street) on Saturday, June 21st to celebrate Pollinator Week and learn all about bees and other pollinators and why they are important. This will “bee” a free, family friendly event!
Date: Saturday June 21
Location: Durham Central Park 501 Foster Street
Time: 9am-noon
Don’t miss the Parade at 10:30am!
You can expect to:
See real bees in a demonstration hive
Taste honey
Meet beekepeers
Make a bee costume or bring your own and join a Bee Parade
Plant pollinator seeds to take home
Take home a free pollinator-friendly plant
Visit a pollinator garden
Learn about pollinator habitat conservation
View photos from the 2023 and 2022 events!
We are also looking for environmental organizations to table at the event. Email dawn@keepdurhambeautiful.org if your organization would like to be represented. Please note that organizations attending the event will not be permitted to sell merchandise.
Celebrate environmental awareness and sustainability at Durham Parks and Recreation’s annual Earth Day Festival at Durham Central Park. Enjoy a day filled with earth-friendly activities, educational resources, a host of vendors, good music, and even better food! See the vendor list and learn more here.
Keep Durham Beautiful will have a table with kid-friendly activities, information about how to get involved, and tips on how to be more green! Come see us to meet our staff and get KDB swag.
Volunteers are needed to help setup/breakdown, and staff the plant giveaway table. Register to volunteer here!
Join the Friends of Ellerbe Creek to remove litter and bagged trash from previous cleanups from the shore of Falls Lake near the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Volunteers will meet at the MST End of East Geer St. Trailhead, located near 4340 E Geer St.
Volunteers with motorized boats are also needed to help collect the filled bags from the shoreline and deliver them to a staged dumpster at Hickory Hill Boat Ramp. If you have a motorized boat and are interested in helping, send an email to Ian Pond at iandavid33@hotmail.com.
Volunteers should be prepared to walk a minimum of two miles out to the trail and back. This event is not recommended for volunteers under 13 years of age. Volunteers between the ages of 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Join us on Friday, April 25 from 3-5PM and/or Saturday, April 26 from 10AM-12PM to remove harmful invasive plants from Wrightwood Park (1301 Anderson St).
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots, pants and long sleeves, and bring a reusable water bottle. Tools and gloves will be provided but we encourage volunteers with their own labeled pruners and saws to bring them along.
Volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is not recommended for volunteers under the age of 12.
We’re pleased to announce the Second Annual Durham Garden Tour, April 26 & 27, 2025.
Visitors will have the opportunity to tour distinctive examples of gardening here in our in very own city. Tickets will be $30, with need-based scholarships available. Buy your tickets here!
Volunteer shifts are now open! Register to volunteer for the 2025 Garden Tour here.
Sponsorship information is available here - please email Tania Dautlick with additional sponsorship inquires.
Join us on Friday, April 25 from 3-5PM and/or Saturday, April 26 from 10AM-12PM to remove harmful invasive plants from Wrightwood Park (1301 Anderson St).
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots, pants and long sleeves, and bring a reusable water bottle. Tools and gloves will be provided but we encourage volunteers with their own labeled pruners and saws to bring them along.
Volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is not recommended for volunteers under the age of 12.
We’ve officially adopted a section of Cheek Rd and E Geer St near our offices as part of the NCDOT Adopt-a-Highway Program! Join us on Earth Day (Tuesday, April 22nd) from 8AM to 10AM to clean up E Geer St from Cheek Rd to Tobacco Rd, and Cheek Rd from E Geer to Center St.
We will meet at our offices at 2011 Fay Street and split into groups. All supplies will be provided. This event is not recommended for volunteers under the age of 10. Please wear closed-toed shoes that are comfortable for walking, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and a small backpack for carrying personal items.
Sign up for a pedestrian and boat-based clean up of Ellerbe Creek from Red Mill Road down to Falls Lake in honor of Earth Day. This is a great opportunity for a fun paddle trip while also helping to clean up the Creek/Lake!
Boaters must be able to supply their own boat, but all litter cleanup supplies will be provided. Boaters will meet at 8:30am on Red Mill Road and pedestrians at 9:00am at the junction of Redwood and Tom Clark.
Email Ian Pond at iandavid33@hotmail.com for additional details or questions.\
In a collaborative effort with Trees for the Triangle and Durham County Sustainability, help us enhance CC Spaulding Elementary's outdoor space by planting 30 trees that will provide shade, beauty, and long-term benefits for students and staff!
Play a hands-on role in transforming the school landscape by digging, planting, and mulching trees. No experience needed - we'll provide a tree planting tutorial, gloves, tools, and water (please bring a refillable bottle to reduce waste).
Join us on Sunday, April 13 from 1-3PM to remove harmful invasive plants from Garrett Road Park (6815 Garrett Rd). This event was planned in collaboration with Jordan HS Honor Students!
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots, pants and long sleeves, and bring a reusable water bottle. Tools and gloves will be provided but we encourage volunteers with their own labeled pruners and saws to bring them along.
Volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is not recommended for volunteers under the age of 12.
Join neighbors from the Albright Community to clean up a heavily littered area of Goose Creek on Holloway Street across from Long Meadow Park. Sunday, April 6th from 10AM-12PM.
This event is not recommended for volunteers under the age of 13. Expect to work on uneven terrain and in brush/wooded area. Parking is available on Calvin St, and we will meet at the bus station on Holloway St across from Long Meadow Park.
Join fellow volunteers and community members to participate in a litter cleanup at Cook Road and Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, hosted by a KDB Litter Leader.
Volunteers will meet at the corner of Searstone Court and Cook Road. Parking is available along Searstone Court. Gloves, vests, litter grabbers and trash bags will be provided.
Please contact Debbie Winegar at debwinegar@gmail.com with any questions.
Join us on Friday, March 21 from 3-5PM and/or Saturday, March 22 from 10AM-12PM to remove harmful invasive plants from Rock Quarry Park (701 Stadium Dr).
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots, pants and long sleeves, and bring a reusable water bottle. Tools and gloves will be provided but we encourage volunteers with their own labeled pruners and saws to bring them along.
Volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is not recommended for volunteers under the age of 12.
Keep Durham Beautiful will be giving away trees to Durham residents on March 22 from 10am-1pm in the parking lot of City General Services, located at 2011 Fay Street, Durham. Reserve a tree below!
Friday March 21 is the official NC Arbor Day! We’re so pleased to be able to offer a tree giveaway in recognition of this statewide event.
Funding for this Giveaway provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with the City of Durham. These institutions are equal opportunity providers.
These are outdoor trees and shrubs that will need to be planted outside as soon as possible. They are native trees that will provide habitat and food sources for birds and pollinators. They will add shade and beauty to your yard and neighborhood.
Species Available: Serviceberry — Black Chokeberry — Winterberry Holly — Blackhaw viburnum — American Hornbeam — Willow Oak — Northern Red Oak — Sweetbay Magnolia — Fringetree
One tree per household
If you cannot pick up your reserved tree at the designated time and location, we regret that we are not able to hold it for you. It IS OK for someone else to pick up your tree for you.
Planting Specifics:
Plant tree within Durham County
Must have permission from property owner to plant tree
Plant tree in the ground within a week of receipt for best success; water weekly until you can plant
Water tree weekly the first year, especially when hot or dry
Oxygen: Trees produce oxygen that humans need to breathe.
Air quality: Trees help reduce air pollution.
Erosion control: Trees prevent soil erosion by catching water with their leaves and stabilizing the ground with their roots.
Water management: Trees reduce storm water runoff, which can help prevent flooding and pollution in waterways.
Wildlife habitat: Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many animals, including birds, squirrels, and pollinators like bees.
Biodiversity: A single tree can be home to hundreds of species of plants, fungi, moss, insects, and mammals.
Climate change: Trees help combat climate change.
Energy costs: Trees can reduce heating and cooling costs by countering the "heat island" effect in urban areas.
Property values: Homes with trees in their yards can sell for 5–10% more.
Jobs: Community trees support jobs in the urban forestry industry.
Join us on Friday, March 21 from 3-5PM and/or Saturday, March 22 from 10AM-12PM to remove harmful invasive plants from Rock Quarry Park (701 Stadium Dr).
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots, pants and long sleeves, and bring a reusable water bottle. Tools and gloves will be provided but we encourage volunteers with their own labeled pruners and saws to bring them along.
Volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is not recommended for volunteers under the age of 12.
Join us on Monday, March 17 from 6:30-8:30PM for Bid For Better, a charity auction hosted by The Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Center. Discover unique gifts from Triangle-connected nonprofits while supporting their diverse missions.
The auction will feature curated items from 30 Triangle-connected nonprofits. Auction items include pieces from local artists, tickets area to Triangle events and other distinctive auction items and experiences.
Tickets are $35/person and cover one drink ticket, entertainment, and entry to the event. Food trucks will be available for attendees to purchase food as they wish.
Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase unique gifts and to help MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Creek Week is a time to discover and clean up our local streams. It has been celebrated in Durham since 2009. To date, we have collected 210,989 pounds of litter with 4,808 volunteers.
Want to organize or participate in a cleanup for Creek Week?
To participate in a cleanup or educational or recreational events, visit the Creek Week Events Page!
Looking for a way to give back to the Durham community? Become a Litter Leader!
Join us for an in-person Litter Leader Training on Tuesday, March 11th from 5:30PM-6:30PM at our offices at 2011 Fay Street. Parents with children are welcome to attend, and we will serve light refreshments.
We train litter leaders as part of our mission to build and maintain clean, green, and beautiful spaces. Litter Leaders are volunteers that are committed to litter prevention in Durham. Litter Leaders will be trained on litter cleanup safety, cleanup operating procedures, and the basics of volunteer leadership.
Once you have received training, we will provide the resources necessary to be a litter prevention advocate and lead KDB cleanup events. More information on the Litter Leaders Program can be found on our website at keepdurhambeautiful.org/litter-leaders.
What happens to rainwater once it disappears down a storm drain? How do we control pollution and erosion with the increasing development of Durham? What innovative strategies are being developed and implemented to tackle stormwater challenges? How can you get involved in protecting local waterways?
Leading up to Creek Week, get ready for an interactive panel discussion that dives deep into the world of stormwater management! Join a team of expert stormwater specialists to learn how stormwater is monitored, managed, and all about the various services provided by Durham County and the City of Durham. This panel will feature engineers, managers, and educators from both the County and City of Durham to provide useful and interesting information of the behind-the-scenes of all things stormwater!
This event will take place at 5:30PM on Monday, March 10 in the auditorium of the Durham County Main Library located at 300 North Roxboro St. This panel precedes Creek Week, which will take place from March 15 to 22. This event is great for all ages and levels of knowledge, and anyone with questions on local stormwater is encouraged to attend!
Registration is preferred in order to receive an email reminder about the event.
Parking is available in the library parking lot or at the North Queen St Garage located at 115 North Queen St which is directly across the street from the library behind the apartments under construction.
Questions? Email mkoslofsky@dconc.gov
Join fellow volunteers and community members to participate in a litter cleanup along N Mineral Springs Rd on Sunday, Mar 2 from 12-2PM.
Volunteers will meet at entrance of the Stonehill Estates neighborhood (100 Sapphire Dr) off of North Mineral Springs Rd. Gloves, vests, litter grabbers and trash bags will be provided.
This event is not suitable for volunteers under the age of 15.
Please contact Brittany Fechter at brittanyfechter@gmail.com with any questions.
Join us on Sunday, February 23rd at 10am for an Invasive Plant ID Walk with Matt Archibald, a Treecologist & Consultant with Leaf & Limb at Forest Hills Park.
Learn the basics of how to identify common invasive plants in our area. Attendance will be capped at 20 participants, so registration is required to attend.
Join us on Friday, Feb 21 from 3-5PM and/or Saturday, Feb 22 from 10AM-12PM to remove harmful invasive plants from Old Chapel Hill Road Park (3791 SW Durham Dr).
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots, pants and long sleeves, and bring a reusable water bottle. Tools and gloves will be provided but we encourage volunteers with their own labeled pruners and saws to bring them along.
Volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is not recommended for volunteers under the age of 12.
Join us on Friday, Feb 21 from 3-5PM and/or Saturday, Feb 22 from 10AM-12PM to remove harmful invasive plants from Old Chapel Hill Road Park (3791 SW Durham Dr).
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots, pants and long sleeves, and bring a reusable water bottle. Tools and gloves will be provided but we encourage volunteers with their own labeled pruners and saws to bring them along.
Volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is not recommended for volunteers under the age of 12.
Join the Durham Community Land Trustees (DCLT) on Saturday, February 8th from 10:30am-12:00pm to 'wakeup the garden' from the winter and replant garden beds for the spring. They will also have snacks, water, and an arts and crafts activity for the kiddos or when you want a break.
Location: 2502 Ashe St, Durham NC 27703
Click the link below for more info & to register!
Join us on Saturday, Jan 25th from 10AM to 12PM and/or Sunday, Jan 26th from 3PM to 5PM to remove harmful invasive plants from Hillside Park (1301 Roxboro St).
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots, pants and long sleeves, and bring a reusable water bottle. Tools and gloves will be provided but we encourage volunteers with their own labeled pruners and saws to bring them along.
Volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is not recommended for volunteers under the age of 12.
Join us on Saturday, Jan 25 from 10-11:30AM to remove litter from Angier Avenue between Alston and Goley St. Volunteers may park anywhere in the 100 block of South Goley St
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots, pants and long sleeves, and bring a reusable water bottle. Tools and gloves will be provided. Volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, please email Naadii Salaam at nadera.salaam@gmail.com
REGISTER TO ATTEND BELOW!
Join us on Saturday, Jan 25th from 10AM to 12PM and/or Sunday, Jan 26th from 3PM to 5PM to remove harmful invasive plants from Hillside Park (1301 Roxboro St).
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots, pants and long sleeves, and bring a reusable water bottle. Tools and gloves will be provided but we encourage volunteers with their own labeled pruners and saws to bring them along.
Volunteers between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is not recommended for volunteers under the age of 12.
Join Keep Durham Beautiful and our partners to help beautify Durham in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We will have several events on MLK Day and throughout the week. Address and meeting instructions will be sent by email for the location you select.
KDB will provide all tools for projects. KDB and/or partner staff will meet volunteers at each location.
ATT Mile 1 Trail Cleanup with Durham YMCA (1/17, 11AM-12:30PM) FULL
Hebron Road Cleanup (1/19, 12-2PM)
Ellis Road Cleanup (1/19, 10-11:30AM)
Ellerbe Creek Cleanup at Edison Johnson (1/20, 10AM-1PM) FULL
Walltown Community Cleanup (1/20, 10AM-12PM)
Merrick-Moore Community Garden (1/20, 10AM-12PM)
Native Prairie Workday at Blackwell and Morehead (1/20, 10AM-12PM)
Southside Community Cleanup (1/20, 10:30AM-12:30PM)
KDB Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup at Cheek/East Geer (1/20, 12-2PM)
Angier Ave Cleanup at Alston and Goley (1/25, 10-11:30AM)
If you find our opportunities for MLK Day of Service are full, please consider joining up with these great organizations hosting service opportunities:
Ashe St Community Garden Workday (1/20, 10:30AM-12:30PM)
NCCU Campus Community Garden Workday (1/21, 10AM-12PM)
Join one of our Litter Leaders for a roadside cleanup in Oak Grove!
When: 1/12/25 from 10-11:30AM
Where: Lakeside Grove Park neighborhood entrance at 102 Nichols Farm Drive, Durham NC 27703
Wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty, and bring a water bottle, hat, and a small backpack for any personal items. Contact Brittany Fechter at brittanyfechter@gmail.com with questions or concerns.
Keep Durham Beautiful is pleased to offer packets of flower bulbs to groups in the Durham Community in January 2025. We will be able to offer these to over 100 groups this year. Please register by midnight on Monday, January 6th to be considered. We will notify groups that have been selected to receive flower bulbs on January 7th. Packets may include a mix of daffodils, tulips. hyacinth, allium, and more. You will need to make arrangements to pick up your packet of bulbs from 2011 Fay Street on Thursday, January 9th or Friday, January 10th from 9:30AM to 5:30PM.
Please note that this giveaway is not intended for individual homeowners to beautify their personal property. Only groups and locations within Durham County will be considered.
Please read all registration requirements before entering to ensure your group is eligible.
Looking for a way to give back to the Durham community? Become a Litter Leader!
Join us for a virtual Litter Leader Training on Tuesday, January 7th from 5:30PM-6:30PM via Zoom.
We train litter leaders as part of our mission to build and maintain clean, green, and beautiful spaces. Litter Leaders are volunteers that are committed to litter prevention in Durham. Litter Leaders will be trained on litter cleanup safety, cleanup operating procedures, and the basics of volunteer leadership.
Once you have received training, we will provide the resources necessary to be a litter prevention advocate and lead KDB cleanup events. More information on the Litter Leaders Program can be found on our website at keepdurhambeautiful.org/litter-leaders.
