Manhattan Beach Hosts First Community Tree Planting Event

Local schools and residents to plant native trees at Veterans Parkway on Earth Day

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:41pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a California sycamore tree repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the community-driven tree planting event in Manhattan Beach.A community-driven tree planting event brings new life and environmental benefits to Manhattan Beach's public spaces.Manhattan Beach Today

The City of Manhattan Beach and environmental education non-profit Grades of Green are hosting the city's first community tree planting event on April 18th. Community members and students from local schools will plant eight California-native western sycamore trees along Veterans Parkway across from the Joslyn Community Center.

Why it matters

This event is part of Manhattan Beach's efforts to increase the city's urban tree canopy and promote environmental sustainability. Tree planting is a popular Earth Day activity that brings the community together to improve local green spaces and combat climate change.

The details

The tree planting will take place from 9:30 am to 1 pm on Saturday, April 18th. An opening ceremony with Manhattan Beach Mayor David Lesser will kick off the event. In addition to the tree planting, there will be educational resources and activities for all ages provided.

  • The community tree planting event is scheduled for April 18, 2026.
  • The event will run from 9:30 am to 1 pm.

The players

City of Manhattan Beach

The local government of Manhattan Beach, California.

Grades of Green

An environmental education non-profit organization partnering with the City of Manhattan Beach on this event.

David Lesser

The Mayor of Manhattan Beach who will give an opening ceremony for the tree planting event.

Manhattan Beach Unified School District

The school district whose students will be participating in the tree planting.

American Martyrs Catholic School

A private school in Manhattan Beach whose students will also be participating in the tree planting.

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What they’re saying

“This event is part of Manhattan Beach's efforts to increase the city's urban tree canopy and promote environmental sustainability.”

— David Lesser, Mayor of Manhattan Beach

What’s next

Following the tree planting event, the City of Manhattan Beach and Grades of Green will monitor the growth and health of the newly planted trees to ensure their long-term success.

The takeaway

Community tree planting events like this one in Manhattan Beach are an effective way for local governments and nonprofits to engage residents, especially students, in hands-on environmental stewardship and beautification efforts that benefit the entire neighborhood.