This Earth Day, Santa Clarita residents are getting their hands dirty by cleaning up neighborhoods and planting new life across the city.
Volunteers were invited to pick up free cleanup supplies and mulch and then go into their neighborhoods to make a difference.
“We know that it’s not always easy to have gloves and bags on hand. So we wanted to offer the opportunity for people to come and get supplies to make that spring cleaning happen,” said Lindsay Schmandt, a Project Technician.
In the past year, more than 250 new trees were planted across the city, alongside the trimming of over 19,000 others. Thanks to these efforts, Santa Clarita has held its designation as a “Tree City, USA” for over 35 years. Santa Clarita Mayor Bill Miranda calls protecting these trees a serious business.
“If you want to cut down a tree, you have to talk to us. We negotiate for every single tree; sometimes it means planting two or three more in its place. That’s the way we operate,” said Mayor Miranda.
Residents often notice neglected corners of their communities. With tools and mulch in hand, they’re empowered to take action.
“There are some spaces the city just can’t get to as fast as residents can. Having helping hands out there makes a huge difference. This community is built on service. It’s about actively beautifying, and residents play a big role in that,” said Schmandt.
That local service and ownership are what make initiatives like these work, officials say.
“I really enjoy seeing people come through and become active participants in their community. That kind of excitement is contagious,” said Schmandt.
