FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2025
B-roll included below.
MEDIA CONTACT: Cassandra Gonzalez-Kester, Cassandra.Kester@californiavolunteers.ca.gov, 279-220-0688
Angelenos Take Action: Earth Day 2025
What you need to know: As Los Angeles continues wildfire recovery and clean-up efforts, hundreds of volunteers will celebrate Earth Day by planting trees, composting, restoring native plants and participating in service projects at Community Climate Action Day – Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES — On Saturday, April 26, 2025, in celebration of Earth Day, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor will join local organizations, elected officials, community leaders, California Climate Action Corps fellows and hundreds of volunteers to plant trees and native plants, compost and more during Community Climate Action Day – Los Angeles.
“This Earth Day, we’re witnessing the power of volunteerism in action. Just as in the immediate aftermath of the LA fires, Californians are stepping up once again. From composting to tree planting, our Community Climate Action Days are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together. We’re calling on all Angelenos and Californians across the state to join us and be part of the solution,” said Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday.
Volunteers are invited to join in service projects throughout Los Angeles, including at Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park, O’Melveny Park and CSU Northridge’s G.A.R.D.E.N. Participants will plant trees, restore trails, lay mulch, compost and care for native plants. Participants will also have the opportunity to take home free native trees to plant in their own neighborhoods through the City Plants Tree Adoption Program.
Community Climate Action Days empower residents to lead local efforts in sustainability and resilience. These service activities also count toward Climate Action Counts, a statewide campaign encouraging Californians to take climate action at home and in their neighborhoods.
Community Climate Action Day partners include Mayor Karen Bass, City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, LA Metro, City Plants, North East Trees, Councilmember Curren Price Jr., Councilmember John Lee, LA Conservation Corps and CSU Northridge Sustainability Institute. The event is also supported by California Volunteers Fund along with sponsors Niagara Cares and the Dawoodi Bohra Community.
California Climate Action Corps, part of the California Service Corps, organizes Community Climate Action Days throughout the state. The California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, even larger than the Peace Corps. Administered by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, it includes #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, Youth Service Corps, California Climate Action Corps and AmeriCorps California.
B-ROLL FOOTAGE:
Community Climate Action Days B-Roll
LA Fire Volunteers B-Roll
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH with GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. Contact Cassandra Gonzalez-Kester, Cassandra.Kester@californiavolunteers.ca.gov, 279-220-0688.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
State Senator Lola Smallwood Cuevas:
“While frontline communities are hit hardest by climate change, this Earth Day demonstrates that these same communities are also leading the fight for environmental justice. I’m proud of our volunteers from South LA and other underserved communities in my district who are driving the bold, local solutions we need to create a more just and resilient environmental future.”
State Senator Henry Stern:
“We are proud to join the dedicated volunteers and LA community at this year’s Community Climate Action Day. California is a global leader in climate resilience and events like these remind us that meaningful change starts at the local level. I look forward to seeing the impact we will make as we continue to protect our planet for future generations.”
Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo:
“We know the climate crisis is not a distant threat, it’s happening here and now. Community Climate Action Day is a powerful reminder that the fight against climate change starts at home, with each of us showing up, getting our hands dirty and building a healthier future together. I’m proud to stand with California Volunteers and our community as we take local action for global impact.”
Assemblymember Sade Elhawary:
“In South Central L.A., we know what it looks like when our neighborhoods are overlooked, especially when we see the lack of green space. Not enough parks. Not enough trees. Too much pollution. And nowhere safe for people to just hang out, play or take a breath. Community Climate Action Days are a reflection of our power. When we show up for our neighborhoods and the environment, we’re building the kind of future our communities deserve— healthy, safe and led by us.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price:
“South Central LA has always been a community where neighbors support one another, and this Earth Day, we’re showing up for our planet, too. Together, we’re planting trees, cleaning up our streets and taking real meaningful, hands-on steps to make our neighborhoods cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable. This is what climate ACTION is — rooted in love for our neighborhoods and a commitment to the future.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee:
“Community Climate Action Day is a powerful reminder that local action can lead to global impact. I’m proud to work alongside California Volunteers and California Climate Action Corps, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, our community partners and volunteers to care for our environment. I invite everyone to join us at beautiful O’Melveny Park as we work together to build a greener, healthier Los Angeles for future generations.”
California State University Northridge Institute of Sustainability Director Dr. Sheila Lakshmi Steinberg:
“As Director of the Institute for Sustainability, I want to thank the California Volunteers team for providing us with the CA native plants that’ll be shared during our Community Climate Action Day LA service project. We are taking action today to preserve communities of tomorrow through climate collaborations like Community Climate Action Day. Community starts in the garden.”
City Plants:
“Community Climate Action Day LA, is a time when we come together not just to celebrate our planet but to recommit ourselves to caring for it. At City Plants, we believe that climate action doesn’t just happen in big policy rooms — it happens right here, in our own backyards, streets and communities. It starts when neighbors plant trees together, when children learn the power of a single seed and when we choose to turn concrete spaces into living, breathing green places. Together, we’re building a greener, healthier future for years to come.”
Dawoodi Bohras of California Community Outreach Coordinator Fareeda Zakir:
“The Dawoodi Bohras are proud to partner on this Climate Action Day to join in our responsibility to respect and protect nature’s gifts. By planting trees and caring for our parks, we’re putting our values into practice while deepening connections with our neighbors and creating a better tomorrow for all Californians.”
LA Conservation Corps CEO Wendy Butts:
“The LA Conservation Corps is proud to have our Corps members and staff assisting with Community Climate Action Day LA. Greening Los Angeles is at the heart of our mission — last year alone, we planted or distributed more than 8,700 trees. Expanding our urban tree canopy is key to making Los Angeles a more climate-resilient city. We have our shovels and hard hats at the ready, and we’re excited to continue building a greener city for all of us.”
NorthEast Trees Director of Urban Forestry Aaron Thomas:
“Planting trees and caring for our urban canopy is a social act that requires the active engagement of government, nonprofits and residents. Together with our volunteers, we are investing in a greener future and all the wellness benefits it provides to future generations. Planting trees is a social act that requires the active engagement of government, nonprofits and residents. Northeast Trees is proud to partner on Community Climate Action Day LA to empower volunteers to become stewards of our urban canopy, ensuring its shade for generations to come.”
Niagara Bottling Corporate Giving Manager Jamie Colvert:
“At Niagara, we are dedicated to paving the way for a more sustainable future for generations to come. By supporting Community Climate Action Days, we’re not only investing in green spaces but also fostering a sense of unity and responsibility within our communities. Together, we’re building stronger, more resilient neighborhoods that everyone can enjoy and be proud to protect.”
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About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor
California Volunteers, Office of the Governor empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting Californians to engage in public service.
