Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, recognizes the importance of protecting the environment and the natural systems that support everyday life. Arbor Day, April 24, focuses specifically on planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees. 

Each year, the City organizes Earth Day volunteer opportunities that allow residents to participate in hands-on environmental stewardship through park cleanups, tree plantings, and other improvement projects. 

To sign up, please complete the volunteer waiver on the City’s website. 

Earth Day Volunteer Opportunities in Concord 

• April 18 – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Markham Nature Park (1202 La Vista Avenue) – Wood mulch spreading and a nature walk

Cambridge Park (1135 Lacey Lane) – Mulching and planting approximately eight trees 

Hillcrest Community Park (Grant Street and Olivera Road) – Creek cleanup 

• April 25 – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Willow Pass Park (2748 E. Olivera Road) – Tree planting and mulching 

Brazil Quarry Park (Kent Way) – Split-rail fence repair, mulch spreading, and planting approximately six trees 

Lime Ridge Open Space (3701 Treat Boulevard)  – Mulch spreading, weeding, and litter removal 

Concord’s Award-Winning Urban Forest 

A key part of Concord’s environmental identity is its urban forest, which includes thousands of trees planted along city streets, in parks, and throughout neighborhoods. Our urban forest helps improve air quality, reduce urban heat by providing shade, lower energy costs for nearby homes and businesses, and enhance the overall beauty of the city. 

Concord has been recognized as a Tree City USA community for the past 44 years and received the Tree City Growth Award for 25 years. This national designation, led by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, honors communities that demonstrate a strong commitment to urban forestry through tree programs and demonstrate progress. 

The City’s Public Works Parks Division manages tree care and implements policies that help protect trees throughout the community. Concord’s urban forest is supported not only during seasonal events but also year-round through grants and partnerships. 

In 2024, the City received a $1 million grant to improve the management, condition, and education surrounding its urban forest. As part of the effort, the City partnered with the Mount Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) to engage students in learning about the value of trees. This collaboration led to the creation of a microforest at Ayers Elementary School. Supported by teachers, students, and MDUSD maintenance staff, the micro-forest now serves as a hands-on learning space that demonstrates the benefits of planting trees in urban areas. 

In Concord, caring for the urban forest through tree planting, responsible management, and community volunteerism helps ensure that parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces remain healthy and vibrant.