“We all can make a difference,” said Josh Fryday, Director of the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement in California. Earth Month is a great reminder that each of us has a part to play in creating a cleaner future.
The California Climate Action Corps is a key initiative by the Newsom administration to encourage people in California to fight climate change. By partnering with various climate-focused groups, this program helps residents take action in their communities.
Since it began, the California Climate Action Corps has achieved impressive results:
- Planted over 100,000 trees and nearly 190,000 native plants.
- Improved nearly 5,000 acres of land for wildfire resilience.
- Diverted over 100,000 pounds of organic waste from landfills.
- Provided more than 60 million pounds of edible food to those in need.
- Engaged more than 120,000 volunteers for over 469,000 hours of service.
On April 18, California Volunteers will host a Community Climate Action Day in Oakland. This event will bring together hundreds of volunteers for various climate-focused projects.
Even after Earth Month, California residents can continue to serve their communities year-round.
In March 2026, Governor Newsom called on 10,000 young Californians to join the California Service Corps, which is the largest state service program in America, larger than the federal Peace Corps. Here are some of the core programs:
CaliforniansForAll College Corps: College students serve in their local communities while earning up to $10,000 for 450 hours of service, focusing on areas like education and food insecurity.
California Climate Action Corps: Fellows can earn funds for education by completing 1,700 hours of service with nonprofits and schools, reducing the impacts of climate change.
Youth Service Corps: Members work with local organizations, gaining job experience and skills.
AmeriCorps California: This program has over 5,000 members serving in nonprofits and schools, with service terms ranging from three months to a year.
In 2025, the California Conservation Corps (CCC) also made strides in environmental service. Members completed over 3.1 million hours of service, planted 8,000 trees, and responded to 355 wildfire emergencies. The CCC serves as a stepping stone for careers in environmental fields, with many transitioning to jobs at CAL FIRE and state parks.
California is a leader in conservation efforts. Through the 30×30 initiative, the state aims to conserve 30% of its land and coastal waters by 2030. Last year alone, California protected over 1 million acres—an area larger than Rhode Island.
Under Governor Newsom, California has established new national monuments and taken steps to restore vital habitats. The economic impact of California’s coastal areas is impressive, generating over $44 billion annually and supporting local communities.
Californians have many opportunities to engage with their environment and communities. Whether through planting trees or helping with local food relief efforts, every action counts toward a cleaner, sustainable California. To learn more about these initiatives, visit the California Climate Action Corps and California Service Corps.
