Happy Earth Month! Earth Day is Monday, April 22, let’s celebrate all month protecting our planet.

Discover actions that have meaningful impact towards your climate and sustainability goals through the Planet Protection Pledge. Connect to resources. Support a greener community. Pledge five actions you will take this year and complete them all to become a Local Climate Hero. It’s easy to participate, whether you are new to sustainability or a seasoned environmentalist.

Read this community update for more information on the Planet Protection Pledge and to find inspiration for actions you can take.

Take the Pledge Now!

Palo Alto Earth Day Festival

Join us at Rinconada Library on Sunday April 21 from 1 - 4 p.m. for an afternoon of fun celebrating sustainability and taking climate action! Enjoy upcycled arts and crafts, live animal encounters, and pollinator garden tours. Check out an electric waste truck or an induction cooking demo from an award-winning chef. Connect with City staff to gain electrification and sustainable living tips and resources. Discover local environmental organizations dedicated to making Palo Alto more beautiful and sustainable. Learn more at www.cityofpaloalto.org/EarthDay.

Explore Spring Blooms

The Bay Area is set to see another superbloom this spring. Explore one of Palo Alto’s Open Space Preserves to see wildflowers in bloom.

Find a hike for any difficulty level at Foothills Nature Preserve. The Toyon Self-Guided Nature Trail is a family-friendly option, or the 7.5 mile Los Trancos trail offers more of a challenge. Pedestrians and bicyclists can enter for free, or pick up a free one-day use vehicle pass at any Palo Alto City Library location.
Pearson- Arastradero Preserve has over ten miles of hiking trails to explore on foot or on your bike.
Have a picnic at the Baylands Nature Preserve to observe wildlife. This map can help you find a route to get there by bike.

Ride, Walk, and Provide Input on the Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation Plan

The City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update effort continues. Join the conversation and share feedback during multi-day collaborative work sessions. Help inform the bicycle network development and pedestrian-oriented design recommendations. The activities include a Bicycle Network Development Workshop on April 16, a downtown Walking Tour with Avenidas on April 17, and a Bicycle Ride Tour with Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition on April 18. To attend, please RSVP to each.

Start Your Spring Garden

Refresh your garden with native plants this spring to save water and support our natural environment. Valley Water’s new Design Assistance Program offers a free on-site consultation with a professional landscape designer. The designer will provide recommendations on plants, layout, and other features based on the unique conditions of your yard. Plus, get up to $5,000 in rebates to support your project.

Palo Alto Link Offers Free Rideshare to Teens

The City’s eco-friendly rideshare service, Palo Alto Link, now offers free rides for teens to specific destinations supporting teen mental health and wellbeing. Head to Mitchell Park for a self-care yoga session or find a quiet moment to read at one of Palo Alto’s library locations.

Find a list of all locations and download the app today at www.cityofpaloalto.org/PaloAltoLinkTeen

Do Something for Mother Earth and Switch to a Heat Pump Water Heater

When you switch out your gas water heater, you’re helping reduce hazardous greenhouse gases and protecting Mother Earth. Receive expert support to get permits, installers, and rebates worth thousands of dollars to install a heat pump water heater. Take advantage of big savings and free support today and join over 300 homeowners who have made the switch.

One call does it all: (650) 713-3411