City to mark Earth Day with workshops, community celebration

Join the City of Redlands and our community partners for a special Earth Day celebration Saturday, April 18, presented by the City of Redlands, Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action and a coalition of local organizations and businesses.

Earth Day in Redlands will feature hands-on educational workshops beginning at 9 a.m. followed by a community celebration from noon to 3 p.m.

The workshops from 9 a.m. to noon include hands-on sustainability activities and projects across the City, many centered around three hubs: the Asistencia, 26930 Barton Road; the Burrage Mansion, 1205 W. Crescent Ave.; and SURF (Sustainable University of Redlands Farm) at 1310 E. Lugonia Ave.

Participants can explore sustainable gardening, vermicomposting, and fermenting food at the Asistencia; learn the latest about solar energy, make non-toxic, sustainable personal hygiene and cleaning products, and build water-saving berms at the Burrage Mansion; or spend the morning at SURF learning about composting, smart irrigation, tree planting and medicinal plants.

Additional activities across Redlands include a Repair Café at the Joslyn Senior Center, 21 Grant St., where skilled volunteers will repair household items free of charge. Join a family nature morning at Gateway Ranch, 31313 Live Oak Canyon Road, hosted by the Redlands Conservancy. Or tour Three Sisters Farm, 30370 San Timoteo Canyon Road, highlighting climate-resilient food-growing practices.

Register for projects at www.RedlandsEarthDay.org. Walk-ups are also welcome.

Once all the hard work is done, it’s time to celebrate! The afternoon celebration at Smiley Park, located behind the A.K. Smiley Library adjacent to the Lincoln Shrine, from noon to 3 p.m., will feature several information tables from multiple locally oriented and sustainably minded organizations, live entertainment, an electric vehicle showcase, food trucks and family-friendly activities.

New this year, Earth Day is becoming Earth WEEK! Redlands Earth Day projects are expanding to the week leading up to April 18. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday April 14, the Frugal Frigate, 9 N. 6^th St., will host an open mic poetry night on the theme “resilience.” On April 15, join group sharing on climate anxiety at Olive Avenue Market, 530 W. Olive Ave., led by professional therapist Jenna Lowery, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Earth Day events are made possible by the City of Redlands, Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action, Inland Empire Resource Conservation District, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District and Do Better Tech. To explore the schedule or register for activities, visit www.RedlandsEarthDay.org.