Redlands to celebrate Earth Day with “A Day of Climate Action”

REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands residents are invited to roll up their sleeves and dig into sustainability at A Day of Climate Action on Saturday, April 26, a community-wide celebration featuring more than 30 hands-on projects, workshops and a festival in honor of Earth Day.

The event, organized by a coalition of local organizations and businesses, runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., beginning with morning volunteer projects and workshops throughout Redlands and culminating in a free community festival at Smiley Park.

From composting and food preservation to turf removal and jewelry-making, activities are designed to give residents practical tools for more sustainable living.

“This is a day for our community to come together, learn something new, and celebrate our shared responsibility for the planet,” said Linda Hamilton, executive director of the Inland Empire branch of ANCA, the event’s lead organizer.

Morning Projects Across the City

Dozens of organizations will host hands-on learning experiences from 9 a.m. to noon, including:

• Sustainable University of Redlands Farm (SURF): Learn how to compost, grow medicinal herbs, start a vegetable garden and build raised beds.
• The Asistencia: Get tips from Master Gardeners and Master Food Preservers, take home preserved goods, and tour native plant gardens in full bloom.
• Three Sisters Farm: Explore sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient farming practices.
• Gateway Ranch: Watch a live demonstration on replacing turf with drought-tolerant landscaping.
• Faith-based organizations: First Baptist will offer kids' mask-making from recycled materials; First Methodist will teach turf removal and irrigation; and First Presbyterian will lead a community park cleanup and planting.

Repair Café and More at Smiley Park

Smiley Park will host all-day activities beginning at 9 a.m., including a Repair Café where residents can bring broken items for free fixes, demos on making non-toxic cleaners, and workshops on solar energy and environmental advocacy.

Starting at noon, the park will transform into a festival with live music by The Marvels, food trucks, and information booths. Participants in morning projects will receive a free lunch from Dawgs 4 Dogs.

How to Join

Projects and registration details are available at www.redlandsearthday.org. While many activities require sign-up, some are drop-in friendly.

The event is sponsored by the City of Redlands, Inland Empire Regional Conservation District, San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, and Burrtec.

Planning partners include Citizens Climate Lobby, California Climate Action Corps, Leadership Redlands Alumni, Treestock, California Native Plant Society, Olive Avenue Market, The Artlands and Feel Good Market.

For more information, email redlandsearthday@gmail.com or call 909-382-1409.