NORWOOD – Residents are preparing to roll up their sleeves and give back to the community for the 2026 Earth Day Cleanup, Community Picnic, and Fair. Scheduled for Sunday, April 26, the event is a collaborative effort between Progress Norwood and the Town of Norwood, aimed at fostering local environmental stewardship and neighborhood connection.

The morning begins at 10:00 am with coordinated cleanup efforts stationed at various sites throughout the town. Organizers are seeking volunteers to help clear litter and recyclables from local parks and streets. While all ages are encouraged to participate, organizers ask that volunteers aged 12 and older officially register through the event’s online portal. To ensure the work goes smoothly, the town will provide trash and recycling bags, though volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves if available.

For those looking to take on a leadership role, site coordinator positions are still available. These leads will be responsible for managing supplies and centralizing collected waste for pickup, ensuring each location is left in pristine condition.

Once the work is done, the focus shifts to a celebration of community spirit. Starting at 11:30 am, the festivities move to the Town Common at the corner of Washington and Nahatan Street. Residents are invited to grab lunch and gather for a community picnic featuring live music and an environmental fair. The fair serves as an educational hub where local organizations will showcase their work and provide practical tips for residents looking to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.

The event is free and designed to be family-friendly. While the cleanup portion of the day will take place rain or shine, organizers have planned for the possibility of inclement weather. In the event of rain, the picnic and fair will move from the Common to the Norwood High School gymnasium at 245 Nichols Street.

Community members interested in volunteering or leading a site can find registration details and further information through the Progress Norwood social media pages and the official event link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4CA8A923A3F49-63008670-norwood#/ -RD