California State Parks Foundation launches month of activities to build climate resilient parks 

SAN FRANCISCO (March 28, 2022) – California State Parks Foundation, a statewide member-supported nonprofit, is thrilled to announce the launch of 2022 Earth Day Climate Action, a month of activation to inspire California residents to take collective action to build climate resiliency in state parks. Opportunities include in-person volunteer events in state parks as well as a statewide DIY trash clean-up. 

“Climate change is having detrimental impacts on California’s people and places,” said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation. “We are calling on our community of park supporters across the state to steward our natural spaces and help them adapt to become more climate resilient.”  

California State Parks Foundation has annually mobilized park champions to complete critical projects in state parks in celebration of Earth Day for more than 20 years. Our parks are facing increasing threats from wildfires, sea level rise, drought, extreme weather events, and more. It is critical that we come together to take action for the planet and parks this Earth Day to combat this crisis. 

Individuals, families, corporate groups, and more can register for 12 volunteer workday events throughout the month of April spanning from Silver Strand State Beach in San Diego to China Camp State Park in the San Francisco Bay Area. Projects include planting native plants, removing invasive species, clearing debris, stabilizing trails to reduce runoff, and more. These events will have a huge impact in drought resilience, water conservation, habitat protection, erosion prevention, wildfire fuel reduction, education about Indigenous land practices, and more. To sign-up for an event near you, view our calendar at volunteer.calparks.org. 

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is a longtime corporate partner of California State Parks Foundation and has been a steadfast supporter of the annual Earth Day events. 

“California’s scenic coastline and historic parks are among the nation’s most beautiful. PG&E is proud to support California State Parks Foundation — as we’ve done for two decades — in maintaining and preserving the natural beauty of our state parks. At PG&E, we are committed to serving our planet on Earth Day and every day, and we look forward to joining volunteers in person once again,” said PG&E Executive Vice President Jason Glickman, who is also a new California State Parks Foundation board member. 

California residents can also complete a do-it-yourself (DIY) clean-up at their local state parks, playgrounds, neighborhood parks, or even just their own backyards. More than 5,000 volunteers across the state will clean up their communities to bolster climate resiliency by participating in DIY Earth Day Climate Action throughout the month of April. When Californians help clean their neighborhoods, local open spaces, streets, and storm drains, they help protect our state beaches and state parks.  

To participate, Californians can register online and receive a FREE Earth Day kit. In partnership with the REI Co-op, Earth Day kits are available for pick up with proof of registration at any REI store in California while supplies last starting on April 1. Each Earth Day kit includes gloves, a trash bag, REI coupon, stickers, and more. After cleaning up, participants have the opportunity to win a special prize by reporting their impact by May 1 using this online form. 

Support for Earth Day can also be provided by making a generous donation to California State Parks Foundation. Any gift between now and April 22 will be instantly doubled by United Airlines up to a total of $25,000. To learn more about Earth Day Climate Action month with California State Parks Foundation, visit www.calparks.org/earthday.