Why would hundreds of people congregate at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 23rd, to celebrate Earth Day in the University Neighborhood? “Our neighbors are motivated by respect, contribution and an deep appreciation for nature’s abundance,” says Gurumantra Khalsa, chair of the University Neighborhood Association. “We created the Earth Day Play Day Celebration to help residents celebrate our rich traditions and love for our gardens, trails and open spaces.”

Located between the University of California at Riverside, a major research university, and an expanding technology park, the inescapable buzz of creativity and excitement can be felt everywhere. Nestled at the foot of the Box Springs Mountain Preserve, the neighborhood offers an abundance of trails for hikers, bikers, dog walkers and equestrians.

A “Billion Acts Of Green” calls for a diverse crowd  gathering to celebrate and spruce up the neighborhood with activities like a clean-up of Watkins Drive, the gateway to the neighborhood. Sixty residents along Watkins Drive will receive some home grown curb appeal ranging from simple weeding to a dab of fresh paint – and an instant garden in a pot!

The first neighborhood plant exchange will be open to beautify and transform places into spaces. Disaster preparedness training sign-ups and resources will be available to local residents. For everybody’s enjoyment, volunteers are setting up booths and games in the parking lot of Goodwin’s Organic Market, 191 West Big Springs Road.

Early sponsors include Goodwin’s Organic Market, Ciao Bella, The University of California, Riverside, Riverside Public Utilities, Crest Community Church, Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful, and Friends Of Riverside’s Hills.

Each of Riverside’s twenty six diverse neighborhoods have their unique attributes and opportunities. To acknowledge that, the University Neighborhood has issued a challenge to all of Riverside’s neighborhoods. We invite them to host their own Earth Day Play Day Celebration in 2012, and we’re offering to help coordinate an “Emerald City- wide” contest. Join in the fun!

Businesses or volunteers that want to support The Earth Day Play Day Celebration can contact: Gurumantra Khalsa
951-640-3868
gkhalsa@nutritionnews.com