The City of Long Beach Office of Climate Action and Sustainability will host its Fourth Annual Family Days in Nature spring event series. These free events will take place at Willow Springs Park (2745 Orange Ave.). Family Days in Nature will include the Monarch Day of Action, taking place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday and City Nature Challenge, taking place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 26.
“Family Days in Nature will bring residents of all ages together to learn about sustainability initiatives taking place here in Long Beach and how they can participate,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “These events are also opportunities for people to explore the recently dedicated Willow Springs Park and engage with local organizations that are working to improve our city’s climate resilience.”
Monarch Day of Action will offer attendees opportunities to plant Narrowleaf Milkweed and other native plants to support pollinator populations, learn more about monarch butterflies and other native pollinators and support native habitat restoration. The event will feature music, crafts, restoration and planting activities, and opportunities to engage with local community organizations that will share sustainability offerings and limited Milkweed plant giveaways for attendees to take home, while supplies last. Those interested in attending can learn more and register at lbcity.info/monarch.
City Nature Challenge is an international event that challenges people in cities across the world to exercise community scientist skills and document local flora and fauna using the iNaturalist app. The event will offer attendees an opportunity to contribute to community building and gain knowledge about some of Long Beach’s biological richness. This year’s theme, “Bringing the World Together for Biodiversity” will feature guided walks, a scavenger hunt and activities with local partners. The City Nature Challenge, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, is a collaboration between the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and California Academy of Sciences. The Office of Climate Action and Sustainability is partnering for its fourth year of this global event. Those interested in attending can learn more and register at lbcity.info/cnc.
Monarch Day of Action and City Nature Challenge are events that explore the restored wetland habitat at Willow Springs Park, which was recently approved as an official park space by the Long Beach City Council in December 2024 with an 8 to 0 vote. Last year, over 100 visitors attended each event to plant 90 Narrowleaf Milkweeds and record 86 nature observations.
“Willow Springs Park is a unique example of native habitat restoration in a highly urban area, which makes it an ideal space for engaging our local community with nature,” said Fifth District Councilwoman Megan Kerr. “We are proud to offer a space at Willow Springs where the community can gather and gain an appreciation for the flora and fauna present in our urban landscape.”
To learn more about these events, future events, and about the Office of Climate Action and Sustainability’s programs, visit longbeach.gov/sustainability.
