FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Joyia Emard, (279) 220-3530, Joyia.Emard@cv.ca.gov

San Francisco Takes Action for World Environment Day

What you need to know:Hundreds of volunteers celebrate World Environment Day by planting trees, mulching, restoring native plants and participating in urban greening projects at Community Climate Action Day – San Francisco.

SAN FRANCISCO — Today in honor of World Environment Day, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor joined the City and County of San Francisco, local organizations, elected officials, climate leaders, California Climate Action Corps fellows and hundreds of volunteers for Community Climate Action Day – San Francisco.

Together, they gathered at McLaren Park and locations throughout the city to plant trees and native plants, restore trails, lay mulch, compost and advance local urban greening efforts.

“On World Environment Day, we’re witnessing the power of service and volunteerism in action in the Bay Area. 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 Californians across the state to join us in taking climate action and be part of the solution,” said Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday.

Community Climate Action Days offer Californians the opportunity to participate in meaningful projects that promote climate resilience while enhancing the quality of life and green spaces in communities statewide. Service activities also counts toward Climate Action Counts , the statewide effort to unite one million Californians to take everyday climate actions at home and in their neighborhoods.

“As our beautiful state endures increasingly frequent and severe climate events, it is more important than ever that we unite to protect our shared green spaces, show up for our neighbors and communities, and build a more resilient future together. Thank you to California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, the City and County of San Francisco, local partners, and to the volunteers who joined hands at today’s Community Climate Action Day in celebration of World Environment Day. Service not only strengthens our families, communities and planet — it strengthens each one of us individually. Your service today is an act of California Love, and together, we are California Strong,” said Jennifer Siebel Newsom, First Partner of California.

Community Climate Action Day partners included the City and County of San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks, Environment, Public Works, Aging and Disability Services departments, the Community Living Campaign and Alemany Farms. The event was supported by the California Volunteers Fund, 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 larger than the Peace Corps and is administered by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor. It includes #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, Youth Service Corps, AmeriCorps California and California Climate Action Corps.

Applications are now being accepted for paid service positions in the 2025-26 California Climate Action Corps fellowship. For more information, go to CAServiceCorps.com.

FOOTAGE:
Press Conference: youtube.com/live/dasHhm2YNAs
B-roll: Community Climate Action Days

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH: GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. Contact Joyia Emard, (279) 220-3530, Joyia.Emard@cv.ca.gov

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

State Senator Scott Wiener:
“San Franciscans’ commitment to protecting and improving the environment is as strong now as it was when the modern environmental movement was founded here over 100 years ago. I applaud the leaders in our community who are showing us all that real change starts with rolling up your sleeves and getting to work.”

State Assemblymember Matt Haney:
“World Environment Day is a reminder that the fight against climate change starts right here in our neighborhoods. When we plant a tree, restore a trail or get our hands dirty for a greener future — we’re making real, lasting change. Proud to see San Franciscans showing up and stepping up.”

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie:
“San Francisco has led with service and a commitment to protecting our environment. Today’s Community Climate Action Day brought hundreds of San Franciscans together to plant trees, restore trails and green our neighborhoods in honor of World Environment Day. I’m grateful to California Volunteers, our city teams and all the local partners who made this day of action possible.”

San Francisco County Supervisor Shamann Walton:
“This day of service is an example of how community-driven action strengthens our neighborhoods and our environment. I’m proud to support efforts that bring people together to build a more resilient and sustainable San Francisco.”

San Francisco County Supervisor Jackie Fielder:
“Thank you to all of the volunteers, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Department and all San Franciscans who have a vision and commitment to doing your part for climate action. San Francisco’s Community Climate Action Day is the perfect way to show up and support our city’s greening and local sustainability efforts.”

San Francisco County Supervisor Chyanne Chen:
“Climate resilience and environmental justice are critical to the diverse, working-class communities of Southeast San Francisco and I am thrilled that McLaren Park will be hosting the 2025 Community Climate Action Day in partnership with California Volunteers, Office of the Governor.”

Tyrone Jue, Director of the San Francisco Environment Department:
“Climate action isn’t just about policy. It’s about people. Today shows that when San Franciscans come together with sweat and shared purpose, we can transform our neighborhoods and future. Community is where climate resilience begins.”

Jared Blumenfeld, President, Waverley Street Foundation:
“On World Environment Day, let’s face it: San Francisco isn’t just talking trash, it’s composting it. While the world buries its head in the sand, the city’s turning kitchen scraps into garden gold. It’s not just green — it’s practical. San Francisco knows that saving the planet helps save everyone’s hard-earned cash.”

Phil Ginsburg, San Francisco Recreation and Park General Manager:
“With its scenic meadows, winding trails and rich diversity of native plants and wildlife, McLaren Park is the perfect setting for Community Climate Action Day — a spacious urban oasis that offers a welcome escape for both San Franciscans and visitors. Seeing hundreds of people come together to help beautify this treasured space is truly heartwarming and embodies the spirit of World Environment Day. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of stewardship — and of our shared responsibility to ensure that these beloved outdoor spaces remain vibrant for generations to come.”

Lily Byrne, California Climate Action Corps fellow:
“The California Climate Action Corps fellowship reshaped my understanding of what climate action really means. It’s not just about environmental outcomes — it’s about deep, patient, community engagement and building systems that are inclusive, that are diverse, that can adapt and that can regenerate. It’s about holding a vision that’s deeply ambitious.”

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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.