Interested in climate, environment, and sustainability in your local community but don’t know where to start? Look no further! From parks and greenways to climate action plans and sustainability goals, here’s a list of resources to discover the environmentally-minded goals, plans, and initiatives for your area.
Wake County
| Growth & Sustainability Goals Key takeaways: – Coordinate land use and transportation planning – Encourage public transit – Preserve and protect water supply – Preserve open space and promote outdoor recreation through parks and greenways – Meet climate goals (clean energy by 2050) through partnerships and project support |
| Wake County Tree Canopy Assessment This comprehensive report presents land cover, tree canopy, and potential tree planting locations in Wake County from 2010 to 2020. In addition to the countywide report, each municipality has a report specific to their jurisdiction. It is estimated that Wake County’s trees absorb 414,710 tons of carbon dioxide each year! For more key takeaways, check out this article. |
| One Water Plan Wake Count is partnering with the community over the next few years to develop a 50-year plan to integrate water planning with County and municipal development and transportation planning. This is especially important as the increasing population (expected to double in 40 years) puts pressure on our water resources. |
Apex
| Learn | Sustainability Resources Apex’s resources for Solar, Composting, Recycling, Air Quality, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions |
| Engage | Environmental Advisory Board Agendas and minutes |
| Connect | Tree Citizen Advisory Panel – Plant the Peak program Interested in joining the panel? Check the website for Membership information. |
Cary
| Learn | Sustainable & Resilient Cary Cary’s resources for Energy, Recycling/Composting, Water, Transportation, Sustainable Community, Trees & Forests, and Upcoming Events |
| Engage | Count Me In, Cary! Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy Following public input and goals development, Cary is in the process of developing their Climate Action Strategy. Surveys are now closed, but you can sign up for notifications here |
| Connect | Cary It Green on Facebook |
Fuquay-Varina
Learn | PRCR Facility Master Plan This new plan lists over $68 million in projects to support community needs and wants in their local parks and recreation facilities. Read the full plan here. |
| Engage | Let’s Talk FV This portal was created as a tool to engage the community in conversation around town initiatives and planning. Current projects include the 2040 Comprehensive Transportation Plan and the Downtown Generational Master Plan. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meetings occur the 2nd Monday of each month at 7 pm and are open to the public. Apply to serve on this or another board or committee! Transparency Portal Everything you need to know about town meetings, reports, and planning documents is here. |
| Connect | Parks Connect to nature in your local parks, such as the Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park. |
Garner
| Learn | Parks Capital Projects Garner voters approved a $35.5 million Parks and Recreational Bond to fund new park development and rehabilitation of existing parks and greenways. Learn more about the projects that are underway. |
| Engage | Garner Forward Character and Land Use Engagement Hub This website is the “one-stop-shop” for project information, events, and engagement opportunities. Register to stay informed and get involved in shaping a more sustainable Garner! |
| Connect | Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Check out Garner’s parks and programs, like the Groundhog Day event on Feb. 2nd that includes live animals and educational activities! |
Holly Springs
| Learn | Responsible & Balanced Growth Initiatives Key Takeaways: – Invest in and maintain sustainable and resilient infrastructure – Support sustainable land use planning – Protect and preserve historical and environmental assets while making them more efficient – Partner with neighbors and County in smart regional infrastructure and transit investments – Create diverse housing options Projects & Initiatives Explore the Town’s many ongoing and upcoming projects and initiatives. Highlights include the Parks, Recreation and Greenways Master Plan, the 2023 Parks Bond StoryMap, and the Clean Streams and Going Solar Initiatives. Natural Resources chapter of Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 of the Comprehensive Plan details existing environmental and natural resources in Holly Springs and outlines strategies to protect those resources. Secondary and Cumulative Impacts Management Plan Provides a review of environmental impacts associated with planned land use changes and infrastructure projects to accommodate future population growth. |
| Engage | Transparency Portal Find Town Council meeting agendas and minutes as well as reports and planning documents here. |
| Connect | Parks & Recreation Get to know the parks and programs in Holly Springs! Sugg Farms Community Garden Holly Springs is beginning construction this spring on an accessible community garden and wants feedback from residents! Clean Air Holly Springs This group aims to promote a healthy breathing environment for the local community. |
Knightdale
| Learn | Climate Change The Town of Knightdale signed a climate resolution in 2021 and has endorsed the transition to clean energy by 2050. Sustainability In addition to climate efforts, and has resources to learn about wildlife & plants, minimizing energy & water use, composting & recycling, and Town Sustainability Initiatives. |
| Engage | Sustainability Committee The Town created a Sustainability Committee made up of Council members, administrators, and Knightdale citizens. For more information about the Committee, contact Suzanne Yeatts. |
| Connect | Parks, Greenways, and Facilities Get outside and get to know your local parks and greenways. |
Morrisville
| Learn | Master Sustainability Plan Adopted in 2022, this plan sets 11 major goals supported by 17 strategies and 35 actions across Town operations, programs, and policies. Check out their website for a visual summary of the plan and other information about the sustainability initiatives. Parks + Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan This plan focuses on existing community resources, and the future of parks, recreation, greenways, and conservation lands in Morrisville. |
| Engage | Sustainability Data Story — Morrisville Open Data As part of the Master Sustainability Plan, the Town created a Sustainability Dashboard so that residents can explore the data and track the progress of projects and initiatives. Advisory Committee agendas and meeting minutes Includes the Environment and Stormwater Committee, Morrisville Smart City Steering Committee, and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee, and more |
| Connect | Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Get to know your local parks, view the calendar, and register for athletics and programs! |
Raleigh
| Learn | Community Climate Action Plan Raleigh’s CCAP, adopted in 2021, has a goal of reducing City-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Read the full plan here and learn about the progress of these goals through the Community Climate Action Data Dashboard. Raleigh’s Environmental Programs In addition to CCAP, Raleigh has compiled information and resources to incorporate sustainability into your household. |
| Engage | Take Climate Action Check out Raleigh’s list of ways that you can Take Climate Action in your everyday life. |
| Connect | Gardens and Urban Agriculture Get involved in Raleigh’s community gardens and learn about rain gardens and native pollinators! Climate Webinars Check out the free webinars about Raleigh’s Community Climate Action Plan. You can even request a presentation tailored to your specific interests or concerns! |
Rolesville
| Learn | Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan Adopted in 2019, this plan will guide the direction of Rolesville’s parks and facilities for the next 10 years, driven largely by community input. |
| Engage | Parks & Recreation Advisory Board The board is made up of citizens and includes one student member. Meetings happen on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 pm and are open to the public. Naturally Rolesville This initiative aims to enhance, preserve, and create native pollinator habitats throughout the town. Learn more about how to get involved and make your own yard a haven for pollinators! |
| Connect | Parks and Facilities Check out your local parks, greenways, facilities and initiatives. |
Wake Forest
| Learn | Think Green Wake Forest resources for Recycling, Conservation, Outreach & Education, Green Transportation, and Green Town, Buildings & Facilities |
| Engage | Play It Forward: Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update Share Your Feedback on the Parks & Recreation Master Plan update. Wake Forest Sustainability 101 Wake Forest offers a citizen education series to learn about how to be a better steward of your local environment. You can register at the link above. Upcoming courses include: – Understanding Waste (Jan. 31) – Earth Day Education (Mar. 20) – Communities Combating Litter (May 22) – Creating Household Food Circularity (Jul. 24). Earth Day Activities & Projects A list of family-friendly activities and events to celebrate Earth Day. |
| Connect | Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Discover all Wake Forest has to offer from parks and greenways to activities and programs. |
Wendell
| Learn | 2019 Town of Wendell Parks & Recreation Master Plan This plan provides a framework for improving the quality of life for residents by providing access to open space and public recreation opportunities for the next 10 years. |
| Engage | Citizen Advisory Boards Learn about how to get involved in Wendell’s Citizen Advisory Boards to help shape the future of your town. There is currently a vacancy on the Parks & Recreation Commission, which meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm! |
| Connect | Parks and Recreation Learn about your local parks and other recreational resources! |
Zebulon
| Learn | Zebulon Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 of the Master Plan includes information about the environment as well as grants, initiatives, and engagement opportunities. |
| Engage | How We Play: Parks and Recreation Master Plan Zebulon created this plan with focus groups and community feedback as well as data-driven insights through a partnership with NC State professor Dr. Aaron Hipp. Take the opportunity to learn more and provide feedback on the Town’s parks and play spaces at the link above! |
| Connect | Parks and Recreation Learn about your local parks and join the email list to stay up to date with events and programs! |