Earth Week


 

"The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth."

— Chief Seattle

About Earth Week 2026

Earth Week is a time to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and take meaningful action in our communities. From creek cleanups to native seed collection, each event is an opportunity to connect with the environment and with each other.

The Community Engagement Center invites UC Merced students, staff, faculty, and alumni to participate in service and educational events across Merced and the surrounding region throughout the week of April 11–25, 2026.

Earth Week Events

Merced Regional Waste Authority Educational Event

@ RWA — 7040 N. State Highway 59, Merced, CA 95348

Join Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority and Partners for a day of fun and learning! Activities include vermiculture, compost demonstrations, and recycling education.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Transportation: No transportation provided
Note: Participants must arrange their own transportation to the RWA facility.

Earth Day 2026 Service Event

Rahilly Park — 3400 N Parsons Ave, Merced, CA 95340

Hosted by East Merced Resource Conservation District, Bear Creek Yacht Club, and Merced Parks. Join us for a morning of hands-on environmental service at Rahilly Park.

Service Activities:

  • Black Rascal Creek cleanup
  • Pollinator Garden planting
  • Park beautification projects

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
  • Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Transportation: No transportation provided
Note: Catlife and CollegeCorps eligible.

Earth Day Sign Up

RESCHEDULED: The People's Garden Service Event

936 W 18th St, Merced, CA 95340

Spring cleaning in the garden and planting with Community Initiatives for Collective Impact. Help tend and grow one of Merced's community green spaces.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Transportation: Limited transportation available
Note: Catlife and CollegeCorps eligible.

People's Garden Sign Up

From Seeds to Stewardship - Celebrating Earth Day Service Event

Meet at the MVPGR Gate near SSB on Ansel Adams and Ranchers Road - Registration REQUIRED

 The UC Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve (MVPGR) will be hosting a stewardship event focused on native seed collection to support the Barn Pond Restoration and the Field Center Pollinator Garden.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
  • Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
  • Location: Meet at the MVPGR Gate near SSB on Ansel Adams and Ranchers Road
Note: Catlife and CollegeCorps eligible.
Note: This service event is limited to 12 spots

From Seeds to Stewardship Sign Up 

Lake Yosemite Beautification Service Event

Lake Yosemite

Join us for a morning of beautifying Lake Yosemite! Volunteers will help remove microplastics along the lake shoreline!

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Location: Lake Yosemite

Lake Yosemite Sign Up 

Campus Garden Service Event

On-Campus — UC Merced

Garden Details 

Every Action Counts

Environmental stewardship is more than a single week—it's a commitment to the planet and our community. Join us in building a greener, more connected Merced.