A young, new maple tree was then planted in celebration of Earth Day in front of a banner acknowledging the city as Tree City USA. 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Overcast morning skies didn’t deter both volunteers and members of city of Citrus Heights General Services department from its annual celebration of Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22 at City Hall.

Heavy overnight spring rains let up just before the start of the rain-or-shine community event at 8:30 am. By mid-morning, some rays of sun were beginning to break through.

The annual volunteer “Chip-In” event which revitalized the bark and general landscaping at Citrus Heights City Hall was coordinated by Armando Velasquez of the city’s construction and maintenance department.  Velasquez provided a general safety brief before the project began.

Over the past three years, the annual Earth Day “Chip In” event has revitalized beds along both sides of the length of Fountain Square Drive, and around the roundabout at Van Maren Park. Last year, volunteers revitalized the beds and grounds surrounding the Citrus Heights Police Station.

“The event is held each year, rain or shine,” Velasquez said. “We’re always hoping for better weather which encourages more volunteers to take part,” he said.

Better weather might have attracted more volunteers to the annual event as in years past, he said.

Many who participated had registered for the annual Earth Day “Chip In” event through the city’s online volunteer hub which networks volunteers with opportunities to serve within their community, Velasquez said.

Shovelers soon filled empty wheelbarrows full of rich, brown bark, a special Citrus Heights signature blend, Velasquez said.

There were plenty of small landscaping beds surrounding the fountain at City Hall which each needed a refresh of new bark. Larger beds situated just under the main windows on the Planning Department side of City Hall and in front of City Hall Council Chambers were also attended to.

A young, new maple tree was then planted in celebration of Earth Day in front of a banner acknowledging the city as Tree City USA.

Volunteers teamed up with city staff and General Services personnel to revitalize bark, plant trees and added flowerbeds around City Hall at 6360 Fountain Square Drive. By 12:30 pm much of their work was done, and all those who participated enjoyed a pizza lunch.

Event sponsors for the “Chip In” Earth Day event included Advance America, Sprouts Farmers Market, West Coast Arborists and Republic Services.

The city extended its very special thanks to everyone who braved the periodic drizzling rain and chipped-in to this annual event, said Marisa Brown, city communications officer.