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Despite a rainy forecast, hundreds of residents rolled up their sleeves for sustainability—planting trees, learning to compost, repairing clothing, and sharing a vision for a greener future.
Redlands marked Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, with a citywide celebration of climate action, hands-on learning, and community service. Hundreds of residents participated in sustainability projects across town—from composting workshops and native plant tours to irrigation upgrades and park cleanups.
Led by the local nonprofit Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA) and organized by a coalition of nonprofits, faith groups, and city leaders, the event offered volunteers opportunities under four guiding themes: building a sustainable food system, saving water and species, advocating for a healthier planet, and creating a more resilient lifestyle.
At the Sustainable University of Redlands Farm (SURF), visitors learned how to start vegetable gardens, build raised beds, and grow medicinal herbs. At Gateway Ranch, volunteers watched turf-replacement demonstrations, while The Asistencia’s gardens were in full bloom as Master Gardeners and Food Preservers offered eco-friendly tips and samples of preserved goods.
Redlands celebrates Earth Day with hands-on activities and a park celebration. (Photo: Courtesy ANCA)
Three Sisters Farm hosted sessions on climate-resilient agriculture, and Redlands' faith-based organizations led creative projects of their own—from recycled mask-making for kids to irrigation workshops and park beautification efforts.
One of the biggest draws was the Repair Café, where community members brought well-loved items in need of fixing. Jeanette Varsik, a regular at the event, had a shawl mended and pants hemmed by volunteer seamstresses.
“I just love the Repair Café,” Varsik said. “It’s a lot of fun—they’re great. I’ve had a chair fixed, and they even replaced a battery in my watch.”
As storm clouds rolled in, about 250 braved the rain to explore the exhibit area and enjoy “Dogs for Dawgs” hot dogs at Smiley Park. The day concluded with a moving statement from religious leaders representing 11 Redlands faith communities—including Baptist, Baha’i, Episcopal, Latter-day Saints, Lutheran, Methodist, Paradox Church, Presbyterian, Restoration, Roman Catholic, and United Church of Christ traditions.
Henry Craig Hadley, pastor of Paradox Church, speaking on behalf of the group, said that while their faiths differ, they stand united on the moral urgency of addressing climate change.
“All of us agree that we have a very big, very real problem with climate change and environmental degradation in our world, and that humanity can’t wait any longer to act,” Hadley said. “Further, we believe that stopping the devastation and healing the Earth is one of the most urgent moral issues of our time.”
City leaders, including Councilmembers Denise Davis and Eddie Tejeda, were on hand to show support, along with Redlands’ new sustainability coordinator. Organizers say the event is a testament to what grassroots momentum can accomplish.
“This community always shows up,” said Linda Hamilton, executive director of ANCA. “We’re so thankful for the volunteers, organizations and businesses who make Redlands Earth Day possible every year.”
Read the full statement from Redlands faith leaders here.
Opinion
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