Spend MLK Day Giving Back and Connecting with Nature

“We have flown the air like birds and swum the sea like fishes, but have yet to learn the simple act of walking the earth like brothers.”
Martin Luther King Jr. in his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize speech

League volunteers planting redwood seedlings.
League volunteers planting redwood seedlings.

Monday, January 18, is the federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Thinking about all the good that King contributed in his lifetime – his advancement of civil rights, his moving words, his doctrine of peaceful change – you may be inspired to give back as well.

If you’re interested in participating in the MLK Day of Service (#MLKDay) on Monday, you can give back while spending time in nature! Turn your day off into a day outside. To serve your community, search for ways that you can join your neighbors to connect with the Earth and care for our shared natural treasures.

You will find a fantastic array of outdoor volunteer opportunities around the San Francisco Bay Area. You could learn the art and science behind trail maintenance in the South Bay, improve coho salmon habitat in Marin, plant flowers for butterflies in the East Bay – and so much more.

King’s legacy reminds us that each one of us is a powerful agent of positive change. And when we pull together, all our little acts of service make up a mighty force for good in the world. Whatever you do on Monday, thank you for giving something back! And if you can’t volunteer on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, don’t worry, there are tons of great opportunities to help redwoods and open space year-round.

How will you be spending the MLK Day of Service? Leave a comment and let us know!

About the author

Since 1918, Save the Redwoods League has protected and restored redwood forests and connected people with their peace and beauty so these wonders of the natural world flourish.

bear reading the blog
Get the latest redwood updates in your inbox