Credit: Stephanie Klem
Credit: Caitlin Ishigooka
Credit: Stephanie Klem
Credit: Caitlin Ishigooka
Credit: Caitlin Ishigooka
Credit: David Vasquez

Edison Volunteers Dig In at State Parks Earth Day

Their trimming, weeding and planting was part of the State Park Foundation's annual celebration.
By Ron Gales
Subscribe
Photos: CAITLIN ISHIGOOKA, STEPHANIE KLEM, JACLYN LOOMIS AND DAVID VASQUEZ

Nearly 100 Edison International volunteers in bright yellow shirts got an early start last weekend honoring Earth Day, joining local residents at three state parks for the California State Parks Foundation’s 21st annual Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup.

Earth Day began in 1970 and is credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Although officially celebrated on Monday, many environmental groups hold events throughout the month.

The state parks event was part of the foundation’s statewide celebration, where thousands of local volunteers gathered to help clean up and restore parkland.

Even the youngest pitched in to help with planting at an early Earth Day event at Carpenteria State Beach.
Even the youngest pitched in to help with planting at an early Earth Day event at Carpenteria State Beach. Photo: Caitlin Ishigooka

At Chino Hills State Park, Edison volunteers trimmed and removed overgrown vegetation at the park’s Rolling M Ranch Campground.

Volunteers also visited Carpinteria State Beach in Santa Barbara County, where they restored natural ecosystems by removing invasive plants and planting native plants around creek and boardwalk areas. 

At Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area in Hesperia, volunteers cut back overgrown brush along paths and cleaned up litter along the lake’s shoreline.

Volunteers pick up trash at the shoreline at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area.
Volunteers pick up trash at the shoreline at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area.  Photo: David Vasquez

“Conserving green spaces for future generations is a priority shared by both Edison and the California State Parks Foundation,” said Lisa Woon, Southern California Edison principal manager of Corporate Philanthropy. “We are proud to support an organization which is so dedicated to preserving a healthy environment and strengthening local communities.”

Edison International, SCE’s parent company, awarded $15,000 in grants to support this year’s restoration and cleanup activities at the state park foundation’s three sites in the utility’s service area. Last year, Edison International awarded $4.7 million in grants to environmental nonprofits and $20 million overall to nonprofits across SCE’s service area. All charitable funds come from shareholder dollars and not SCE customers.

Volunteers of all ages helped out at a cleanup at Chino Hills State Park's Rolling M Ranch. Campground.
Volunteers of all ages helped out at a cleanup at Chino Hills State Park's Rolling M Ranch Campground. Photos:  Stephanie Klem
-->