Hundreds of volunteers participated in Earth Month events throughout Sacramento over the past two weekends to support local parks, trails, and waterways in honor of Earth Day, according to an April 22 announcement.
The initiative highlights community efforts to improve public spaces and promote environmental stewardship. Organizers say these activities are a way for residents to take meaningful action at the local level.
The Climate Action & Sustainability Team led ten events that involved 270 volunteers who planted 41 trees and 310 drought-tolerant plants, spread 75 yards of mulch, and removed more than 5,200 pounds of trash and green waste. These efforts spanned all City Council districts with collaboration from Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment (YPCE), the Department of Utilities, Community Engagement Team, Community Emergency Response Team, Recycling and Solid Waste Division, and the Department of Community Response.
Additional support came from councilmembers, Park Commissioners, Landscape & Learning crews, as well as community groups such as the Sacramento Tree Foundation and Meadowview Urban Tree Project. These organizations helped promote the events, provided refreshments for participants, and assisted with on-site activities.
“Earth Month is an opportunity to turn awareness into action at the local level,” said Rachel Patten, Sustainability Manager for the City. “These events show the impact residents and partners can have when they work together to improve Sacramento’s parks, waterways and neighborhoods.”
Tree planting was part of a larger Equitable and Resilient Urban Forest project funded by an Urban and Community Forestry grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service in partnership with GreenLatinos. With this funding support over two planting seasons YPCE has planted nearly 500 trees in disadvantaged communities.
Sacramento’s celebration continues with another Earth Day event hosted by the Environmental Council of Sacramento on Sunday at Southside Park (700 T St.), where city departments will offer booths featuring giveaways and sustainable living tips.
