In recognition of Earth Day, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will waive fares across its entire network on Tuesday, April 22. The fare-free day aims to promote sustainable transportation and encourage residents to reduce their environmental impact by using public transit.
All CATS services — including buses, light rail, streetcars, vanpools, microtransit, and paratransit — will be free for passengers on Earth Day. The move is part of a broader effort to support environmental responsibility throughout the Charlotte region.
In addition to free transit, Mecklenburg County is hosting a variety of educational and volunteer events to mark Earth Day and encourage community participation in environmental stewardship:
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April 21-22: Community clean-ups at Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center, Enderly Park, Cordelia Park, and Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
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April 22: A guided Earth Day Hike at Reedy Creek Park. Registration is required.
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April 22-27: “Love Your Local” events presented by the N.C. Cooperative Extension include gardening demos, brewery trivia, a farmers market tour, and a youth cookoff.
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April 23: Family Nature Bingo Walk at University City Regional Library from 2–3 p.m., for children ages 5–11 and their caregivers.
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April 24: Senior Gardening at the Northern Regional Recreation Center, where adults 55+ can help grow community vegetables. Registration is required.
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April 25: Earth Day-themed Kids Night Out at the same recreation center from 5:30 p.m., featuring games and dinner for ages 7–13. Registration is required.
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April 26: An Earth Day Take-Back recycling event at Compost Central (140 Valleydale Road) from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents can drop off electronics, textiles, and medical supplies, and pre-register for paper shredding.
You can register for all of the above events and find out more info on Mecklenburg County’s Earth Day site here.
