Redlands turns out for a day of climate action and community

REDLANDS, Calif. – The 4th annual Redlands Earth Day event drew hundreds of residents to learn about climate change, sustainability and building a more resilient future in Redlands.

Organizers estimate 900 people attended dozens of workshops around the city, followed by a celebration in Smiley Park on Saturday, April 18.

The event was organized by local climate action group Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA), along with the city of Redlands and a coalition of local organizations.

Participants attended workshops around the city, including Burrage Mansion, the Asistencia, the University of Redlands, Joslyn Senior Center and Caroline Park.

Here’s a look at some of the workshops and projects:

Raised garden tutorials

At the SuRF (Sustainable University of Redlands Farm) garden, Earth Day attendees participated in hands-on activities including building raised garden beds, composting and planting trees.

“I love doing this stuff,” said Jasmine, a fifth-year fellow of California Climate Action Corps at the University of Redlands. This year’s aluminum raised bed project ran seamlessly — nine volunteers assembled, filled and planted potatoes in under two hours.

About 40 people attended the SuRF workshops, organizers said.

“More than anything [we want] people to get excited about doing something at home, feel less intimidated and feel this is a place to stop by and ask questions,” said Erin Sanborn, the assisting dean of experiential learning.

“It was excellent,” said attendee Tammy Williams. “I learned a lot and now I want a raised garden bed at home.”

Burrage Mansion projects

At the Burrage Mansion, 20 members of the Rotary Interact Club from Citrus Valley High School and 30 volunteers from Kaiser Permanente enjoyed nature while helping with weeding, removing ivy vines and building berms around the base of citrus trees.

“There is a lot to do, and there is not a huge facility staff,” said Diana Lawson, Rochford Foundation volunteer coordinator. She said she appreciates having volunteers take care of smaller details that “elevate the look of the mansion,” and help continue “the beautiful tradition of having this facility for our community.”

The president of the CVHS Rotary Interact Club, Angie Moawad, agreed.

“A lot of people are just excited to come and see everything at the mansion, the nature and everything,” she said. “We have a lot of eager volunteers.”

Also at the Burrage Mansion, local Redlands artist Bea Jay brought her collection of jewelry pieces for people to make repurposed, one-of-a-kind items. Fellow artist Patty Mariano helped as well.

“The teenagers were just blowing my mind, the creativity that was going on, they loved it,” said Bea Jay.

This year, a steady stream of people came through the workshop. “It was a joy seeing the young creating and designing their jewelry on Earth Day,” she said.

Christy Cooper, owner of Feel Good Market in Redlands, has been part of the Earth Day event since 2022. She said the event helps fulfill her shop’s mission to provide sustainable products for everyday life.

“We’re here to inform the community that we are an alternative; we carry natural, organic and sustainable products,” she said.

At her booth, Cooper showed participants nontoxic cleaning supplies and explained how to make nontoxic bug repellent.

“I’ve never seen a city quite like Redlands,” Cooper said.

The event stretched down to Live Oak Canyon with workshops at Gateway Ranch and Three Sisters Farm.

Council member Denise Davis attended a tour of Three Sisters Farm.

“It was lovely to see an organic farm with such dedicated farmers and such conscientious people in our community in San Timoteo Canyon,” Davis said.

Smiley Park celebration

In the afternoon, a large celebration took place in Smiley Park with 40 information tables, food vendors and a live music performance by Pickle & Bean.

The Redlands Interfaith Council spoke to the crowd in the park. Ten different faith communities were represented on stage.

“Humanity cannot wait any longer to act,” said Craig Hadley, pastor of Paradox Church. “As people of faith, we are committed to advocating for the common good. Although there are differences among us, we are very much united in this. Harming the environment, harms all who dwell on the earth, especially the poor and the future generations.”

Organizers see growing interest in Earth Day and sustainability

Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action held its first action-oriented Redlands Earth Day celebration in 2023 to address growing concerns about climate change and community resilience.

“I am very concerned about this planet and this helps getting people more aware and hopefully learn what they can do to live more sustainably,” said Linda Hamilton, ANCA Redlands coordinator.

Redlands Earth Day events have grown every year. “It’s very encouraging,” Hamilton said.

“The turnout and overall atmosphere reflected a high level of interest and appreciation for the importance of environmental awareness and community involvement,” said Kaitlyn Haberlin, sustainability coordinator for the city of Redlands, in a written statement.

The event’s main sponsor was the city of Redlands. Other sponsors included Do Better Tech Worker Cooperative, Inland Empire Resource District, San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District, the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and the AboutRedlands Network.