April may bring showers and May flowers, as the old nursery rhyme says, but it also brings two important observances that highlight the importance of conservation and caring for our planet. Each year on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day—a global reminder of the need to protect the environment and raise awareness about the effects of climate change. Later in the month, on the last Friday of April, we observe Arbor Day, which emphasizes the value of planting and nurturing trees.
Volunteering offers a meaningful way to take part in both observances, while also fostering community involvement and support for important causes.
Planting trees is a time-honored tradition associated with Arbor Day. Trees not only improve air quality and provide habitats for wildlife, but they also offer countless other benefits to the environment. The Arbor Day Foundation is a great resource for organizing community tree-planting efforts. You may also find free tree giveaways through local governments, garden clubs, or community organizations. But don’t stop at trees—planting shrubs, pollinator-friendly flowers, and other native greenery can also make a big difference for the environment.
Community gardens offer a wealth of benefits—from helping families save on groceries and access fresh, healthy food to strengthening neighborhood connections. Whether you’re looking to join an existing garden or start one of your own, this Create the Good® Do-It-Yourself Guide can help you find the best path forward. These gardens not only bring beauty and greenery to shared spaces but also open the door to broader sustainability efforts. As part of a community gardening initiative, you can also encourage neighbors to reduce food waste through composting or by donating surplus produce.
Invasive plants and other species can disrupt local ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and altering natural habitats, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Organizations like the National Association of Exotic Plant Pest Councils (EPPC), the National Park Service, and other government agencies offer valuable information and often host events focused on identifying and removing invasive species. Platforms like iNaturalist also provide opportunities for volunteer citizen scientists to contribute by reporting biodiversity data, tracking invasive species, and supporting ecological research.
Community cleanups are a powerful way to protect wildlife, reduce litter, and make shared spaces more beautiful and enjoyable for all. Whether it’s a local park, beach, or city block, gathering volunteers for a cleanup can have a lasting impact. One especially meaningful option is organizing a river cleanup—an effort that not only beautifies the area but also helps improve water quality and safeguard aquatic ecosystems. Use the Create the Good® Do-It-Yourself Guide to plan your own river cleanup, from recruiting volunteers to selecting a site and coordinating the day’s activities.
Your local community, network of friends and family, and even your social media platforms offer great opportunities to spread awareness about protecting the planet. Share insights from reputable environmental organizations, especially around green spaces, resource conservation, and sustainability. If you’re part of a local group, consider organizing a workshop or webinar on topics like recycling, energy conservation, or sustainable living to help others get involved and informed.
Conservation begins at home. When many people commit to making small, sustainable changes, the collective impact can be significant. Simple actions—like turning off lights when not in use, adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees, eating locally sourced foods, or reducing single-use plastics—can lead to big environmental benefits (and often, cost savings too). Here are 10 easy ways you can live a little “greener” every day.
Looking for more ways to give back? Visit www.createthegood.org for more ideas and inspiration.