MR Valley Rallies for Green Up Day

March 3, 2026 / eric

For the fourth consecutive year the Mad River Valley town’s Green Up Committees are collaborating under the banner of the Green Valley Rally on Vermont’s annual Green Up Day. On May 2, 2026 the Green Valley Rally will be the epicenter for all Green Up Day activities here in the MRV. It will take place at the Mad River Valley Welcome Center (at the corner of Routes 100 and 17) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. People can stop by to pick up Green Up bags, morning snacks, and roadside assignments. People will also have the chance to learn more about our partnering organizations such as the Friends of the Mad River, stewardMRV, Mad River Bear Inititative, the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Mad RIver Riders, tehe Mad River Path, valley conservation and knotweed eradication programs, and other stewardship organizations.

GREEN UP DAY BOTTLE DRIVE
Organizers are asking all Green Up Day volunteers to separate clean(ish) refundable cans found along the roadsides this year. They will provide separate clear bags for these cans and ask that people bring the bags back to the Welcome Center. Funds raised from redeemed the cans are donated to the Mad River Valley Interfaith Council, which serves neighbors in need.

MEET THE STEWARDSHIP PARTNERS
Starting at noon and running through 2 p.m. there will be a BBQ from noon to 2 p.m. for Green Up Day and stewardMRV volunteers. During that time there will also be a stewardMRV volunteer job fair. People can learn more about other conservation and stewardship opportunities. Representatives from various local organizations involved in stewardship in The Valley will be on hand to share information about volunteer opportunities. Those interested can look into becoming a stewardMRV site steward, a Friends of the Mad River Watch volunteer, a Mad River Path volunteer or even help out with the Mad River Valley Recreation District.

TIRE RECYCLING
The Mad River Resource Management Alliance (MRRMA) is collecting tires at the Earthwise Transfer Station on Green Up Day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those who find a tire along a roadside can bring it to the transfer station for recycling free of charge. To recycle personal tires, the MRRMA will process those (with or without rims) for $5 each.

VOLUNTEER BBQ
There will be a BBQ for all Green Up day volunteers to come celebrate our collective efforts. The grill will be lit starting at noon! The John Lackard Blues Band will be playing for the entertainment of our volunteers. Thanks to Afterthoughts and Valley Meade Dispensary for sponsoring the live music!

BEAR FAIR
There will be workshops for homeowners and businesses to learn about living with bears in the MRV. Stay tuned for details

GREEN STEM
Remember that kid – Milo Cress? The 9 year-old from Essex, VT that started the “Be Straw Free” campaign, who may have influenced your use of plastic straws. Or Greta Thunberg, who at age 15 attracted global attention for climate activism. Join Green Up Vermont for an event that is science fair meets innovation challenge with an environmental focus, creative encouragement and outcomes that could have a real impact for our planet Green STEM invites Vermont students in grades 5-12 to investigate topics that have impact on our environment and challenge teams to bring innovative ideas and solutions forward. We can provide a list of prompts if you need a little inspiration. • Green Up Vermont will give each team $100 to assist with incidentals and supplies for their focus project and to help with transportation to the event and will try to pair each team with a corporate mentor.

KENTUCKY DERBY HAT PARTY & APRES GREEN UP DAY AT AFTERTHOUGHTS
Green Up Day always coincides with the Kentucky Derby so Afterthoughts decided to host an Apres-Green Up Day Kentucky Derby party with a build your own Kentucky Derby hat contest. Entries must be made from repurposed, reused and reimagined materials (not necessarily litter from Green Up Day). The event will start around 4 pm, contest judging at 5 pm., Derby viewing at 6:50.