Community Involvement and Tree Programs

Earth Day Community Clean Up event: Saturday, April 22, 2023

Volunteers are now able to register for our next clean up event that is taking place on Saturday, April 22, 2023 on Earth Day. The event will take place starting at the MacBain Community Centre at 10:00 am and will conclude at 12:00 pm. Volunteers will be given gloves, a safety vest (if required), garbage bags and pickers (limited). All volunteers are requested to register online prior to the event, however, walk-ins on the day-of the event are welcome.  Please review the below information to help guide you with preparing to participate for this event.

REGISTER NOW

Here is some information to note while registering:

Waiver Forms: All registering volunteers will need to sign a waiver form in order to participate.  Waiver forms will be available on the event date (April 22) at the MacBain Community Centre starting at 10:00 am.  Waiver forms can also be downloaded. If you are registering multiple people, a group waiver form can be downloaded in advance or all members from the group can sign a waiver form on the event date. 

Volunteers Ages 13 and Under: Will need to have a Guardian complete a Youth Permission Form prior to the start of the event and accompany the volunteer at all times during the event.  Forms can be completed on the event date at the MacBain Community Centre starting at 10:00 am on April 22 or downloaded prior to the event.

Volunteers Ages 14 to 16: Will need to have a Guardian complete a Youth Permission Form prior to the start of the event. Forms can be completed on the event date at the MacBain Community Centre starting at 10:00 am on April 22 or downloaded prior to the event.

Downloadable Permission and Waiver Forms:

Student Community Service Hours: Students can be awarded Community Services Hours for their participation with this event. Students are to either acquire a Volunteer Worksheet from their school's Guidance Office prior to the event in order to have it signed by an authorized Earth Day Community Clean Up Event Volunteer at the completion of the event or students can email their request at a later date.

For more information, please contact Jeff Guarasci, Community Development Coordinator. Phone: 905-356-7521 extension 3341.

Clean-Up Safety Tips:

  • Safety is priority. Please ensure that all members of your group are properly dressed, and are wearing the appropriate safety wear for the location that you are going to help clean.
  • Clean-up events are rain or shine. Events should be cancelled if weather conditions become unsafe.
  • DO NOT wear open-toed shoes or loose jewelry. Consider wearing a long sleeve shirt, pants and comfortable footwear to protect your feet, legs and arms.
  • DO NOT clean along any roadways, bridges or bicycle lanes. Only clean along boulevards, trails, parks and walkways (Municipal governed property - do not enter private property).
  • DO NOT pick-up any needles, glass or chemical substances. Notify the event coordinator of the exact location of these items to be picked up by City Staff.
  • DO NOT park along any arterial roadways and be alert of on-coming traffic.
  • Avoid construction sites and waterways
  • Use non-porous gloves while conducting your clean-up activity.
  • Volunteers working along boulevards must wear a safety vest or highly visible clothing.
  • Dress for the weather. Consider wearing a hat during peak sun times and keep hydrated.
  • Bring first-aid supplies in case of cuts, scrapes and other accidents that may happen. Have a cell phone with you at all times in case of emergency.
  • When able, work in pairs or groups in case of accidents that may occur.
  • Youth volunteering are encouraged not to work beside roadways. Alternatively, neighbourhood parks and trail are best locations for youth to participate.

Daily Community Clean Up Program

Residents are encouraged to help keep our City clean by volunteering to collect litter during their free time...anytime.  The Community Clean Up Program enables volunteers to pick and choose when and where they will dedicate time towards this initiative. Please follow the steps to participate.  

  1. Complete the online registration form. A minimum 24 hour notice prior to beginning a clean-up is required.
  2. If needed, contact the Program Coordinator to schedule a time to collect clean-up supplies (bags, safety vests, pickers, etc…).
  3. Ensure to follow the appropriate safety guidelines and program restrictions while performing your clean-up.
  4. Email the Program Coordinator to indicate where you have left your filled garbage bags so that City Staff can make arrangements to collect the bags at a later date.
  5. Return your clean-up supplies during regular business hours for the MacBain Community Centre.

Please note, clean-up locations are limited to only public property that is governed by the City of Niagara Falls.  If you are unsure of ownership of a certain area, please inquire prior to starting your clean-up.

Youth 13 yrs and under must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.  Youth between the ages of 14 to 16 must have their parent/guardian submit a Youth Permission form to participate. 

Community Service hours for students are available to acquire through this program.  For more information or questions, please email the Program Coordinator or call Recreation & Culture at 905-356-7521 ext.3341.

Walker Industries Complimentary Waste Disposal Program

Walker Industries is a company dedicated to the environment, community and safety of their employees and they want to do their part and help keep the communities in which we live and operate clean and safe. They hope to do this by making every day a “day of action on litter” by offering free disposal for any community clean up initiative year round across Niagara Region. Dependent on any existing government restrictions, the Thorold landfill will provide free disposal of litter collected by community groups who pre-register their 2022 community cleanup initiatives. Please review Walker Industries' guidelines for accessing free disposal for 2022. To register for free community clean-up disposal please email Walker Industries (include your group name, cleanup location (i.e. municipality), and expected clean-up date).  

Adopt A Street/Trail/Park/Walkway

You can help keep your environment clean and beautiful! The Adopt A Street Program is a campaign to beautify and take pride in the City of Niagara Falls. Volunteer groups are encouraged to adopt a street, trail, park or walkway, and take responsibility for litter pick-up, weed pulling, etc. along the selected area. Complete the application form online.

For updated documents including applications, waivers, checklists and safety guidelines, please contact Jeff Guarasci, Community Development Coordinator. Phone: 905-356-7521 ext 3341.

Mother Earth Day logo

Mother Earth Day presented by PenFinancial: Saturday, May 13, 2023 @ Firemen's Park (top tier)

The Park in the City Committee launched their inaugural Mother Earth Day event on Saturday, June 11, 2022.  Thousands of people attended to take part in numerous activities.  Environmental vendors, demonstrations, entertainment and local food fair were available for the community to enjoy.  Partners of the event also hosted a wide variety of interactive youth and family stations to keep everyone busy during the day.  The 2nd Annual Mother Earth Day event will take place on Saturday, May 13th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Firemen's Park.  The 2023 version of the event will include a FREE tree give-a-way for residents of Niagara Falls. For a complete listing of activities, please visit the Mother Earth Day page.

S.C.V.F.A. Environment Award

Congratulations to our most recent winner, Renee Delaney from Small Scale Farms. The City of Niagara Falls Environment Award, sponsored by the Stamford Centre Volunteer Firemen's Association and endorsed by the Park in the City Committee. The award is presented to a citizen(s), groups, businesses, industry or organizations residing or working in the City of Niagara Falls who have made a significant contribution toward the protection or enhancement of the City's environment.

Over the past 25 years, the City of Niagara Falls Park in the City Committee has recognized many groups and individuals who demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the improvement and preservation of the environment. View the Past winners of the Environment Award for a full list of recipients of the award.

Nominations will be accepted year round. A complete, one page submission will be accepted, including a bio and accomplishments of the nominee and the nominator's and nominee full contact information.

Note: Only winning submissions will be contacted prior to the annual Volunteer Recognition Evening, which takes places annually at the beginning of November. Recipients will be given complimentary tickets to the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. 

Park in the City Memorial Fund

Picture of garden

Make a Donation Online

A Living Legacy established since 2008. This donor program aims to help implement greening initiatives throughout the City of Niagara Falls. Plan a gift that helps to create a healthy environment.  The City will issue letters for income tax purposes for donations $25 and greater. Niagara Falls Funeral Homes will accept donations to the fund by request. Donations are now being accepted online. You can also make a donation in person at the Fairview Cemetery, MacBain Community Centre and the Gale Centre.  The City will accept cheque and cash donations.  For more information on how you can make a donation or on where funds are allocated to, please call the Recreation & Culture Department at 905-356-7521 ext. 3330 or send us an email.

Complimentary Street Tree Program.

NOTE: This Program is now completed for the 2022 season.  Please check back in the new year for 2023 information.

For the past several years, the Park in the City Committee has been fortunate to partner with generous supporters including Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. to enhance the urban forest canopy and deliver a great program to the community. The Street Tree Program enables the Committee to plant roughly 20 to 30 trees in city boulevards, medians, trails and parks. Residents of Niagara Falls are encouraged to apply for this program if they are without a tree along their boulevard and that they meet the below eligibility requirement. Trees are free of charge and will be planted in the late fall annually.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Your boulevard is currently without a tree.
  • You are the owner of the property requesting the tree.
  • You have not made pre-arrangements with the City of Niagara Falls regarding a previous or existing tree on your boulevard.
  • You have never had a street tree and are not calling for a replacement tree.
  • You have not previously participated in the program.
  • You do not live in a subdivision that is less than five (5) years old.

If your boulevard tree was recently cut down, you will not qualify for the program. Instead, please inquire about a replacement tree at the Municipal Service Centre by calling 905-356-1355.

To request a free street tree, please ensure you meet the above requirements, then contact Jeff Guarasci, Community Development Coordinator.   

Phone: 905-356-7521 ext. 3341.

Tree Planting and Pollinator Garden installations

Limited volunteer opportunities will be available to participate in future community tree and pollinator plantings in 2023.  Volunteer opportunities will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Once opportunities are listed below, the public is encouraged to register for these events, by email or call Jeff Guarasci, Community Development Coordinator, City of Niagara Falls at 905-356-7521 ext. 3341 during regular business hours (Mon to Fri - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm). 

  • Mother Earth Day - Saturday, May 13, 2023 - Firemen's Park Tree Planting.
  • Spring tree planting - TBD date - Carolyn Park tree planting with both Rotary Clubs of Niagara Falls.