Happy Earth Day! Today, we’re not just celebrating our planet — ECO’s celebrating 20 years of empowering the next generation to protect it. Thanks to our community, Earth Day isn’t just one day – it’s woven into our community partnerships, every hands-on lesson, field trip, and stewardship project. 

Today, we’re kicking off a campaign celebrating 20 years of ECO. Each month, we will share stories highlighting key milestones from the past and the efforts we’re engaging in today. We would love for you to join us and become a part of our ECOsystem!

Join our community of monthly donors to support the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders >>> 

Thank you for being a part of our story and making Earth Day every day.

Planting Partnerships 

From an environmental science perspective, partnerships make the Earth go round. Ecosystems rely on partnerships for balance, stability, and growth. Our human systems are no different.  

At Riverside Elementary, collaboration turned a small idea into a big success. Sarah Hill, a 4th-grade teacher at Riverside, applied for grants from the Trail Blazers Foundation and Dennis’ 7 Dees to turn a grass hillside into a thriving habitat.

Dennis 7 Dees drew up the planting plan and came in with equipment to handle the hardscaping. They dug out a gnarly patch of Himalayan blackberry, carved out three terraced beds, placed juniper timbers, and dug a rain garden to catch stormwater from the bike rack roof.

When it came time to plant, students buzzed with energy—eyes wide, ready for gloves and trowels. There was a mix of anticipation and pride in the air. Together, we planted 17 species, 120 native plants, and transformed an expanse of grass into one vibrant hillside!

Thanks to the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Sarah Hill, ECO educators, students in our Aves Compartidas program at Riverside, Dennis’ 7 Dees staff, and parent volunteers for bringing this project to life.