During Earth Month, Take Climate Action and Volunteer at a California state park | Cal Parks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: March 3, 2025

Registration is now open for volunteer events across California

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — California State Parks Foundation today invited members of the public to celebrate Earth Month by participating in volunteer events in April. Registration is open to the public for a dozen events across California. These volunteer workdays will focus on impactful climate-related projects like invasive species removal, native species replanting, and wildfire preparedness efforts.

“Working within your local community to create change has always been a core part of the environmental movement,” said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation. “We are proud to continue our tradition of hosting Earth Day volunteer workdays, bringing people together to protect and preserve California’s state parks.”

California State Parks Foundation’s annual Earth Day celebrations have taken place for more than 25 years. Cumulatively, these events have raised nearly $8.9 million, attracted nearly 93,000 participants, and resulted in more than 364,000 volunteer hours. This year, hundreds of volunteers are expected to attend a dozen events, ready to get to work.

California State Parks Foundation is also dedicated to urging the state’s leaders to address the impact of climate change on state parks. In 2024, the organization issued a groundbreaking report, “Building a Climate-Resilient California State Park System: Preserving Parks for Future Generations.” This analysis offers key legislative recommendations that California’s leaders should act on to both ensure the protection of state parks and maximize their contribution to the state’s climate efforts. 

Below is a list of Earth Day Climate Action volunteer events across the state. For full details and to register, visit calparks.org/earthday.

  1. Angel Island State Park | Marin County, CA
    Saturday, April 5 | 9:30 AM–3:20 PM
    Volunteer to remove invasive plants and dead wood to reduce wildfire risk and encourage native species growth. Groups will work within 100 feet to one mile of the ferry dock to allow for volunteers’ diverse abilities. Register here.
  2. Half Moon Bay State Beach | San Mateo County, CA
    Saturday, April 5 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Help remove invasive species, prepare areas for planting, and put out sheet mulch to support habitat restoration efforts, increase climate resilience, and adapt to sea level rise. Register here.
  3. Millerton Lake State Recreation Area | Fresno County, CA
    Saturday, April 5 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Plant native trees, reinforce retaining walls, and clean up debris to support habitat restoration at the La Playa Picnic Area. Register here.
  4. Montaña de Oro State Park | San Luis Obispo County, CA
    Saturday, April 5 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Help maintain native garden spaces by removing invasive plants, pruning overgrown plants, and planting native species that support wildlife habitat and climate resilience. Register here.
  5. Auburn State Recreation Area | El Dorado County, CA
    Saturday, April 12 | 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Remove invasive broom plants, support biodiversity, and assist with graffiti removal and litter pick-up to help the park become more resilient to the effects of climate change. Auburn Transit has offered to transport volunteers to worksite locations. Register here.
  6. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook State Park | Los Angeles County, CA
    Saturday, April 12 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Assist Nature Nexus Institute with planting drought-resistant native species to help conserve water and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. Limited volunteer spots are available. Register here.
  7. South Carlsbad State Beach — Tomato Fields | San Diego County, CA
    Saturday, April 12 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Remove invasive weeds in the wildland-urban interface to reduce wildfire risk and preserve important habitats in the Tomato Fields area. Please note this event is not on the beach but will take place at Tomato Fields, which is adjacent to the Terramar community. Register here.
  8. Candlestick Point State Recreation Area | San Francisco, CA
    Saturday, April 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Volunteer to remove invasive species, mulch around plants, and plant native species to maintain a healthy ecosystem and improve fire resilience. Limited volunteer spots are available. Register here.
  9. China Camp State Park | Marin County, CA
    Saturday, April 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Remove invasive species near Rat Rock Cove to reduce wildfire risk and improve the park's ecosystem health. Limited volunteer spots are available. Register here.
  10. Chino Hills State Park | Orange County, CA
    Saturday, April 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Remove invasive species around the Discovery Center and engage in educational activities on ecosystem health. Register here.
  11. Crystal Cove State Park | Orange County, CA
    Saturday, April 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Restore Moro Overlook by installing signage, sanding handrails, removing overgrown vegetation, and spreading mulch for erosion control and habitat protection. Register here.
  12. Los Angeles State Historic Park | Los Angeles County, CA
    Saturday, April 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
    In partnership with Project Monarch LA, support monarch butterfly and pollinator habitat restoration by removing invasive species, labeling native plants, and raising public awareness about local biodiversity. Register here.