Earth Day volunteers started the day by heading into the desert at sunrise to pull invasive plants, part of a countywide effort to mark Earth Day with hands-on conservation in regional parks.
First observed in 1970, Earth Day was established to raise awareness about environmental issues and mobilize public action. More than 50 years later, it continues to serve as a focal point for local efforts like those in Maricopa County, where stewardship often takes the form of volunteer labor on public lands.
“Earth Day is especially meaningful in our Regional Parks because it gives the public a chance to actively give back to the environment,” said Juanita Armstrong-Ullberg, a natural resource specialist with Maricopa County Parks and Recreation. “These experiences empower people to play a direct role in conservation efforts, helping preserve and restore these remarkable landscapes for future generations.”
In the Sonoran Desert, that work is closely tied to wildfire prevention. Invasive grasses and other plants can act as fast-burning fuel in an ecosystem not adapted to frequent fire, threatening long-lived native species such as saguaros and desert trees.
At Estrella Mountain Regional Park, one of several scheduled sites, volunteers were trained to spot and remove these invasive plants as part of habitat restoration work.
Similar invasive species removal projects were hosted at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park and Usery Mountain Regional Park.
“By removing invasive plants, the fine fuels that allow fires to spread quickly, volunteers directly help reduce wildfire risk,” Armstrong-Ullberg said.
Armstrong-Ullberg said that participants often carry what they learn beyond the parks, helping address invasive species in their own neighborhoods.
This year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlights the role of communities in sustaining environmental progress, even as broader policy and regulatory landscapes shift. Organizers say local action demonstrates how conservation efforts are still important to everyday people.
That emphasis on grassroots action mirrors the origins of Earth Day itself. Denis Hayes, who organized the first event, said public engagement has always been central to the movement's impact.
"All those years ago, in 1970, we were ridiculously confident that we were going to win," Hayes said. "We launched a genuine environmental revolution. We proved that an engaged public can be an unstoppable force. It can be again in 2026."
Maricopa County parks officials say that sense of shared responsibility remains central to Earth Day’s purpose, as residents are encouraged to take part in efforts that extend beyond a single day, whether by volunteering in parks, joining community science projects or adopting conservation practices at home.
“We hope visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our natural areas, along with a sense of optimism and empowerment,” Armstrong-Ullberg said. “Even small actions can make a meaningful difference.”
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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