The Hillsborough Climate Challenge 2026 kicks off!
March 26, 2026
Art by local artist Elaine O’Neil for the Hillsborough Climate Challenge
The 2026 Hillsborough Climate Challenge invites residents and visitors to spend April exploring practical ways to engage with environmental issues close to home. Running from April 1 through April 22, the challenge offers a mix of hands-on activities, educational programs, and community events designed to make sustainability approachable and relevant for all ages.
Throughout the month, participants can attend presentations and workshops on topics ranging from composting and pollinators to eco justice and green burial practices. The schedule also includes outdoor opportunities like invasive plant removal days, giving people a chance to directly support local ecosystems while learning about the impact of non-native species.
Food and farming are central themes this year. Meatless Monday meetups at local spots such as Weaver Street Market and Ixtapa encourage participants to explore plant-forward dining in a social setting. Farm tours, including visits to Wooden Nickel Farm, highlight regenerative agriculture in action. Operated by the team behind The Wooden Nickel, the farm focuses on restoring former tobacco land through chemical-free practices and responsible animal care. Their work reflects a broader effort to support long-term soil health and strengthen the local food system.
Creative expression also plays a role in this year’s challenge. Community members are invited to contribute to a collaborative nature square project, using art depict the natural world. These pieces will be displayed throughout the challenge and later transformed into a stitched community quilt. Once completed, the quilt be displayed throughout the Climate Challenge and appear during Last Friday events, offering a lasting visual reminder of the community’s shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
With its mix of education, action, and creativity, the Hillsborough Climate Challenge continues to build momentum around local climate efforts while making it easy for individuals to get involved in meaningful ways. For more information, a schedule of events, and instructions on how to contribute to the nature square project, click here.