Pasadena Celebrates Arbor Day and Earth Day with a Weekend of Environmental Events

This weekend, both Arbor Day and Earth Day are being celebrated in Pasadena and Altadena with a series of events aimed at promoting environmental conservation and awareness. The events, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, are part of a larger regional effort to mark these two important environmental holidays and engage the community in hands-on activities and educational programs.

Saturday events started at 7 a.m. with a Sierra Club Pasadena Group 12-mile trek to Muir Peak in honor of John Muir’s birthday and Earth Day. The hike was to retrace Muir’s historic journey and culminate in a communal lunch at the peak.

Next up, the Pasadena Department of Public Works hosts an Arbor Day event at Victory Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event features a tree planting demonstration, where attendees can learn about proper planting techniques and the benefits of urban forestry. 

Free mulch will be available for pickup, allowing residents to improve their own gardens and landscaping. Informational items, such as brochures on tree care and the importance of green spaces, will also be provided. 

Attendees who wish to help plant trees are advised to wear closed-toe footwear and appropriate attire. The trees being planted have been generously donated by the Pasadena Beautiful Foundation and the Pasadena Audubon Society, showcasing the community’s commitment to enhancing the city’s urban canopy.

Also on Saturday, a family-friendly Earth Day charity fundraiser will be held at the Standard Design Group Nurseries, 1950 Lincoln Ave., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The event, titled “First Annual Pasadena Earth Day ’24,” will offer a wide range of activities for all ages. Live music will be performed throughout the day, creating a festive atmosphere. A spring plant sale will allow attendees to purchase a variety of plants, including native and drought-tolerant species, to enhance their own gardens while supporting the event’s cause. Children can enjoy a dedicated kids’ craft table, a bouncy house, and face painting, encouraging them to engage with environmental themes in a fun and creative way. Food trucks will be on-site, offering a selection of delicious meals and snacks, while adults can enjoy beverages such as mimosas, champagne, Figueroa Mt. Hoppy Poppy Beer, Poppi Soda Company, and Casters Coffee. Admission is $5 for adults, with kids under 14 entering for free. 

Organizers said proceeds from the event will benefit House of Ruth, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing domestic violence in Southern California.

In nearby Altadena, the Soul Force Project and the Pasadena Chapter of the United Nations Association will host the “Environmental Justice for All” event at Solvang Ranch from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. 

This community celebration will emphasize the power of nonviolence through the arts, featuring vegan food and live world music from local African, Latinx, and jazz musicians. 

The musical lineup includes the Earthseed Band led by Paul Livingstone and the Soul Force Singers directed by Johanna Moore, with special guests Baba Onochie Chukwura, Diana Soto, Masauko Chipembere, Danny Peterson, Randal Fisher, and Dwight Trible. 

Local artist and educator Leigh Adams will be honored for her decades of environmental justice activism and contributions as an ecosensitive designer and horticultural interpreter at the Los Angeles County Arboretum/Botanic Gardens. 

Hop Hopkins, director of organizational transformation for the Sierra Club, will deliver an inspirational message about the environmental justice movement, discussing the importance of diversity and inclusivity in efforts to protect the planet. 

The event is free, family-friendly, and zero-waste, serving only vegan food. Participants are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, and donations are welcomed.

On Sunday, the “Love Your Mother: Earth Day Gathering” will take place at Hahamongna Watershed Park from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

This free event, organized by Herb Club LA, aims to foster a sense of appreciation and reciprocity towards nature through a series of mindful activities. Attendees will have the opportunity to write love letters to nature, expressing their gratitude and connection to the natural world. A ceremonial cacao circle will be held, allowing participants to share in a traditional ritual that promotes a sense of community and mindfulness. The event will conclude with a dessert reception, featuring eco-friendly and locally-sourced treats. 

The gathering is part of a series of Earth Day events designed to encourage participants to see themselves as part of nature and to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Regionally, Friends of the Los Angeles River will hold its annual cleanup event on Saturday and Sunday, attracting thousands of volunteers to pick up trash and participate in habitat-restoration projects and nature walks. The two-day event will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Preserve and continue at 12 p.m. on Sunday at Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park. Volunteers will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the health and beauty of the L.A. River, while learning about the importance of preserving urban waterways. 

Los Angeles Waterkeeper will also host a cleanup event at the L.A. River on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at North Atwater Park. Volunteers will help clear away debris left in the aftermath of a rainy winter, ensuring that the river remains a clean and safe habitat for wildlife and a recreational space for the community.

To further encourage environmental awareness and promote the use of public transportation, LA Metro is offering free rides across Metrolink’s rail system throughout Southern California on Monday in honor of Earth Day. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and highlight the importance of sustainable transportation options in the fight against climate change.