The Investment Issue
April is shaping up to be a fantastic month! Spring is in full bloom, bringing longer, warmer days. Flowers and trees are bursting with new life, making it the perfect season for outdoor adventures. And for the little ones in our lives, spring break and Easter add an extra dose of joy and excitement.
While the weather can be unpredictable—sunshine, rain, thunderstorms, even late snowfalls in the Sierra—April’s charm lies in its spontaneity. This ever-changing backdrop reminds us to embrace the moment and stay adaptable.
This month, we explore how the idea of “investing” can extend into different aspects of everyday life.
We’ve curated a fantastic list of local trails and scenic spots to admire wildflowers and waterfalls fueled by winter’s snowmelt, perfect for those looking to invest time in nature’s beauty. Plus, a local financial expert shares insights on navigating your investment portfolio, helping your financial landscape flourish alongside the season. As temperatures rise, we also shine a spotlight on a local painting company that has been bringing color to homes and businesses for 30 years—just in time for your spring refresh. For a different kind of investment, we share how adding versatile greens to meals can boost your health. We’ve also included a classic cocktail recipe—perfect for toasting (or perhaps commiserating) this month’s tax return. And, in celebration of Earth Day, we highlight environmental awareness, offering practical ways for individuals to invest their time towards a healthier planet.
Spring is a season of renewal, making it a great time to set new goals or simply pause and appreciate the beauty around us.
Wishing you a bright, blooming, and beautiful month!
KRISTY MURDOCH, PUBLISHER
@ELDORADOHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Kristy Murdoch | kristy.murdoch@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Todd Murdoch | todd.murdoch@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Ryan Van Dyke | ryan.vandyke@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Krista Minard
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Cadence Murdoch
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Krista Minard, Todd Murdoch, Kristy Belley, Angela Broockerd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kimberlee Brooke & Co, Rachid Dahnoun, Ken Mahar, Noelle Smith, Charlene Taylor, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
WILDFLOWERS AND WATERFALLS
Local trails provide views of native blooms and rushing water
ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Spring has sprung, and Sierra snowmelt and (March and) April showers are working magic in and around the region. As rivers surge and Folsom Lake fills, the sun shines on grassy banks and rippling meadows, coaxing wildflowers into bloom. Warmer days also mean waterfalls! Now is the time to hit the trail to catch nature at its most beautiful. We share some favorite spots.
Word to the wise: To park within some recreation areas, dayuse fees range approximately $4–$12, depending on location and day. Go early, bring plenty of water, and watch out for poison oak. (Leaves of three, let it be!)
In EDH, between Brown’s Ravine and Sophia Parkway, a loop popular with mountain bikers has spring-green hillsides dotted with purple, orange and yellow flowers. With Folsom Lake on one side and Green Valley Road in the distance, you’ll feel cocooned from the world’s rush, yet close enough for easy return.
On the New York Creek Nature Trail near El Dorado Hills Community Park, flowers bloom in grassy thickets beneath widearmed oaks. With benches, bridges, and birdhouses along the few-mile route, it’s enticing for families with kids, who also will appreciate the play structure at the park.
Off Salmon Falls Road, the 5ish-mile out-and-back Sweetwater Creek Trail leads to a finger of the river/lake. Watch for birds and tangles of wildflowers. In dry years, low water levels reveal the old Salmon Falls Bridge and other remnants of the Gold Rush-era community of Salmon Falls, population 2,500. Across the water, Darrington Trail (also known as Salmon Falls Bridge Trail) starts in Pilot Hill and draws wildflower-seekers, view-lovers, and mountain bikers headed for Peninsula Campground, 8.5 miles out. Go when it’s cool; shade is limited. In Coloma, wildflowers pop along the riverbank trail and up on surrounding ridges.
Opposite Left Top: Sterling Pointe Equestrian Staging Area, credit Eric Bergen/Placer County
Opposite Left Bottom: Poppies at Coloma, courtesy Coloma Resort
Opposite Right Top: Glen Alpine Falls, credit Rachid Dahnoun/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Above: Eagle Falls, credit Rachid Dahnoun/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
“THE
WATERFALL CASCADES OVER GRADUATED ROCKS; VISITORS CAN FOLLOW A PATH OR SIT AT THE OVERLOOK TO ADMIRE THE RUSH.”
In Folsom, the American River Parkway beckons. Access points off the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail provide brilliant wildflower sightings. One of the best is just east of the Folsom Truss Bridge on the Folsom-Auburn Road side of the river. Trails meander down toward the water, lined with lupine and poppies and other brilliant flowers. Rumor has it the bluffs near Folsom Powerhouse produce vibrant displays too.
At the Folsom Point lake entrance across from Briggs Ranch, wildflower patches skirt the water. Lakefront paths emerge each spring as the shores green up, then burst into bloom. Walkers undeterred by fencing from an ongoing construction project can reach trails from the parking lot, and follow the road to a flower-laden hillside path that cuts through woods to pop out near Folsom Lake Crossing.
In Placer County, another area overtaken by a big construction project is Folsom Lake’s Granite Bay access. Still, day-users can park at the main beach and take trails leading toward Beek’s Bight, where superblooms have drawn photographers in recent years. Watch social media feeds for explosions of deep-purple lupine—or just go see for yourself. No guarantees, but you might get lucky.
Farther along Auburn-Folsom Road, in Loomis, a turn at the Sterling Pointe Equestrian Staging Area sign leads visitors past mansions and horse trailers. From the parking lot, pick up trails that run among wildflowers, oaks, and statuesque boulders, out to various vantage points to Folsom Lake. Expect to share trails with horseback riders and wear shoes that can stand a little manure.
In Auburn, Hidden Falls Regional Park beckons. On weekends and holidays, visitors must make parking reservations (placer.ca.gov) to hike the 30-plus miles of pretty trails beside Coon and Deadman’s creeks. It’s approximately half a mile from the parking lot to the Hidden Falls observation platform, which provides views of the water tumbling over boulders.
The Auburn State Recreation Area is a true gem in the region. At the Confluence, where the Middle and North Forks of the American River meet in wild splendor, hit the 1.9-mile Lake Clementine Trail to see the torrential falls plunging from the North Fork Dam—a spectacular sight.
At higher elevations, wildflower and waterfall viewing might need to wait until later spring. Several trails wind through the Echo Summit area, and hardy wildflowers
Left : Mt. Tallac at Taylor Creek, credit Rachid Dahnoun/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Top: Kiva Beach meadow, credit Rachid Dahnoun/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Bottom: Falls at Lake Clementine, courtesy Visit Placer
show their petals once the snow melts. (Look for brilliant yellow woolly mule’s ears, with large fuzzy leaves.) Be aware: any trail that takes you into Desolation Wilderness, even day use, requires a permit (free—typically available at trailhead kiosks or the Placerville ranger station). In the Kirkwood area off Highway 88, near Carson Pass, the 4-mile trail to Meiss Lake showcases plenty of late-spring color.
Near South Lake Tahoe, across Highway 89 from Emerald Bay, the Eagle Falls Trail takes hikers up a sloped path through pines for about a quarter-mile to reach stairs cut into rock. It’s another quarter-mile to reach the falls, which plummet over the mountainside beneath a viewing bridge. For additional scenic payoff, go another mile or so to Eagle Lake (Desolation permit required). Also near South Lake Tahoe, at Fallen Leaf Lake, Glen Alpine Falls is accessible with just a short walk from your car. The wide waterfall cascades over graduated rocks, and visitors can follow an adjacent path or sit at the overlook to admire the rush. Near Tahoe’s South Shore beaches, Taylor Creek Visitor Center (opening late May) is an ideal starting point for easy trails beneath Jeffrey pines and aspens, through marshlands, to Tallac Historic Site. Wildflowers show their magnificent colors in late spring and summer—if possible, buy a guidebook at the visitor center to help with identification!
RIght: Hidden Falls, credit Eric Bergen/Placer County
Bottom: Echo Summit, credit Jesse Bradford/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Top: Springtime on El Dorado County trails, credit First Tracks Productions
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The Road to Financial Freedom
ARTICLE BY TODD MURDOCH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLENE TAYLOR AND JOELLE SMITH
Investing isn’t just about picking the right stocks or timing the market— it’s about managing emotions and staying disciplined. Many investors let fear, greed, or overconfidence influence their decisions, leading to costly mistakes. “The biggest risk to investing success is our own behavior,” says David Waldrop, a Certified Financial Planner® and owner of Bridgeview Capital Advisors, Inc. in El Dorado Hills. “It’s not just about what the market does—it’s about how we respond to it.”
HOW BEHAVIORAL FINANCE SHAPES
A PATH TO STABILITY, GROWTH, AND SUCCESS
by
Photo
Charlene Taylor
“WALDROP BELIEVES THAT UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIORAL FINANCE IS CRUCIAL TO MAKING BETTER INVESTMENT DECISIONS.”
Behavioral finance studies how psychological biases impact financial decisions. Traditional theories assume investors act rationally, but in reality, emotions often drive financial choices. Recognizing these biases can help investors make smarter decisions.
Overconfidence is one of the most common pitfalls. “If you’ve had a few wins, it can be easy to believe you have a special ability to pick stocks,” Waldrop says. “But often, success is due to market trends rather than personal skill.” This can lead to excessive risk-taking and poor diversification.
Hindsight bias causes investors to believe past events were more predictable than they were. “Many people claim they ‘knew’ the housing bubble would burst in 2008, but very few actually saw it coming,” Waldrop explains. This false sense of predictability can lead to frustration and misguided decision-making.
Confirmation bias is another common trap—investors seek information that supports their existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence. “If you love a company and its stock starts declining, you might only look for positive news to confirm your belief that everything is fine,” says Waldrop. “But ignoring warning signs can be costly.”
Herd mentality, or following the crowd, often leads to investment bubbles and crashes. “This was a big factor in the cryptocurrency boom,” Waldrop says. “Many people jumped into Bitcoin and other digital assets simply because everyone else was investing, without fully understanding the risks.” This behavior drives stock market bubbles, where prices rise beyond reasonable valuations—only to crash when reality sets in. “People tend to buy when the market is high because it feels safe, and they sell when it’s low because it feels scary,” Waldrop notes. “But that’s the opposite of what successful investors do.”
From left to right: Alyson, David, Jennifer, Jackson, (and Daisy) Waldrop |
Photo by Joelle Taylor
Salmon Falls Bridge Photo by Charlene Taylor
David Waldrop, CFP®
BRIDGEVIEW CAPITAL ADVISORS, INC.
With more than 20 years of experience in financial services, David Waldrop specializes in investment management, financial planning, and tax strategies. He helps clients break down financial goals into manageable steps, celebrating progress and making necessary adjustments along the way. His firm offers a seamless and efficient onboarding process for new clients, leveraging the latest technology for secure portals for document uploads and e-signatures. While he’s always happy to meet clients in person, he also offers virtual meetings, ensuring expert guidance with convenience and flexibility.
Waldrop is more than just a financial advisor— he’s a trusted partner who genuinely cares about his clients’ success. Whether he’s helping someone plan for retirement, save for a child’s education, or navigate market uncertainties, his goal is to bring clarity and peace of mind. His love for his craft and his community shines through in every conversation, making financial planning feel less overwhelming and more like a journey toward a secure and fulfilling future.
Photo by Joelle Taylor
Waldrop’s expertise in investor psychology comes from over two decades in financial services. He earned a degree in political science from Cal Poly, but after graduation, he pivoted from law or teaching to finance. “I’ve always been interested in politics, financial markets, and current events,” he says. “Becoming a financial advisor felt like the perfect fit.”
After earning his securities licenses, he became a Certified Financial Planner® in 2003. He later took over an independent firm in Woodland before becoming the sole owner of Bridgeview Capital Advisors, Inc. in 2012, relocating the firm to El Dorado Hills. “My wife, Jennifer, was my biggest inspiration and supporter in becoming a business owner,” he says. Jennifer works as a teacher’s aide and track coach, and Waldrop has also coached youth sports, including the Oak Ridge Junior Trojans football program.
Despite his deep ties to the community, most of his professional work initially reached people outside El Dorado Hills. “A few years ago, I shifted focus to ensure those in my own backyard knew I was available as a local resource for their financial planning needs,” he says.
Financial success isn’t about predicting market swings— it’s about staying committed to a well-thought-out strategy. Waldrop emphasizes his local clients’ long-term thinking over short-term reactions. “Making emotional decisions in the short term rarely leads to good outcomes,” he says. “I help clients focus on the big picture.”
One of the biggest mistakes investors make is trying to time the market. “Most people assume we’ll put them on a strict budget and hold them accountable for every dollar spent,” Waldrop says. “That’s not the case. We don’t dictate spending; we simply show the financial impact of choices.”
For example, if a client wants to take a dream vacation, Waldrop helps them see how it fits into their financial plan without jeopardizing their long-term goals. “Wealth isn’t built solely on high income; it comes from smart financial planning,” he explains.
Waldrop believes that understanding behavioral finance is crucial to making better investment decisions. “You don’t have to be an expert to make smart financial choices, but being aware of your biases is key,” he says. Markets will always be unpredictable, but investors can control their reactions. “Most factors affecting the market are outside your control, but you can control your behavior,” Waldrop advises.
While numbers and market trends play a role in investing, financial security comes from aligning money with personal values. Waldrop encourages investors to think beyond returns and consider what financial success means for their lives. The true power of investing, Waldrop explains, lies in its ability to create opportunities. “At the end of the day, investing is a tool—it’s about creating freedom, options, and the ability to live life on your terms.”
ARTICLE BY KRISTA
BY KEN
Painters’ work appears throughout El Dorado Hills and beyond
A FRESH COAT
“Painting is not rocket science,” says Brent Lockwood, president of Bayshore Painters. “You just have to focus on preparation and good-quality primers and paints.”
He makes it sound so simple, but anyone who has attempted a paint project on their own knows it’s anything but. A successful paint job includes appropriate equipment (ladders, scaffolding, sanders, brushes, rollers, sprayers and so forth), primers and paints, and other materials, and plenty of know-how. That’s true whether the job involves refreshing a single bedroom or painting a massive business development in cohesive hues.
Bayshore Painters, based in Shingle Springs, specializes in residential and commercial projects, interiors and exteriors. Lockwood started the company in 1995 when he was living in the Bay Area. He grew up in Soquel, and he put himself through college while painting on the side. “I was painting all through the Bay Area and Santa Cruz,” he recalls, noting that he relocated his business because his parents retired to Placerville. “I wanted to change the name, but it never happened.”
Since his move, he and his team have painted their way through the foothills—homes, office developments, schools and more. Bayshore Painters’ work can be seen in a number of familiar locations, including Poor Red’s BarB-Q in El Dorado, Skinner Winery in Rescue, Lava Cap Winery in Placerville, Buttercup Pantry (also in Placerville) and several of the business parks off Latrobe Road south of El Dorado Hills. Bayshore also has painted houses and churches in Coloma, and handled paint jobs for El Dorado County Office of Education and multiple school districts extending from El Dorado Hills to Camino.
Lockwood learned from someone he describes as an old-school painting professional. “I was intrigued by the craftsmanship,” he says. He has upheld those ideals in his business, and brought additional ethos:
“If you notice, it is not Bayshore Painting; it is Painters. My belief is teamwork from the top to the bottom, and a positive attitude is the only way.”
That sense of teamwork and positivity extends to the broader community. “Giving back is our greatest achievement,” says Lockwood, citing donations to local school sports teams and raffles that might include sponsorship and labor (for example, a free bedroom paint job).
Throughout his years working in the foothill community, Lockwood says, he’s learned the color trends for the region. “Picking shades and placement is one of my favorite things,” he says. The painting industry is always changing, he notes, and keeping up is key. So, too, is maintaining respect for the triedand-true products—and the best practices
for using them. The most common mistake painters make, he says, involves going short on primer and finish. “For a coating to do its job, it needs to be thick enough—and not just two coats. Each substrate is different, and some may require more.”
“IF YOU NOTICE, IT IS NOT BAYSHORE PAINTING; IT IS PAINTERS. MY BELIEF IS TEAMWORK FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM, AND A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IS THE ONLY WAY.”
Lockwood understands that clients want “the best bang for their buck,” meaning a high-quality paint job and great customer service for a fair price. To hire the right company, he says, checking credentials is an absolute must. “Ask questions,” he advises. A reputable painting business should be licensed by the Contractors State License Board, adhere to OSHA safety standards, follow PDCA (Painting Contractors Association) standards, carry comprehensive workers’ compensation and liability insurance, and be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and other esteemed business organizations. Finally, call some references. Key to a successful project is a knowledgeable team that shows up on time, operates safely, keeps a clean worksite, and maintains open communication with customers—a team that can “walk the client through the process as they go,” Lockwood says.
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY
The drink that makes you look forward to TAX DAY
INCOME TAX cocktail
INGREDIENTS:
• 1½ oz. Gin
• ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
• 2 Dashes Angastura Bitters
• Orange Twist
• Glass Type: Coupe
DIRECTIONS:
1. Squeeze your OJ.
2. Add everything to your shaker with ice.
3. Shake.
4. Pour into your coupe.
5. Twist your orange peel again, like you did last summer.
6. Garnish.
7. Enjoy being done with taxes.
8. And a good cocktail.
The Income Tax Cocktail likely popped up during the Prohibition party scene of the 1920s. Its exact origin story remains a bit blurry, but it was definitely a hit in speakeasies. The name? Well, it's like a cheeky nod to the idea that sipping on this cocktail might be more fun than paying actual taxes! Made with gin, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of bitters, it's like a boozy adventure for your taste buds, with hints of citrus and herbs. Despite its vintage roots, the Income Tax Cocktail still brings the party vibes, transporting you back to the roaring '20s.
Where the Oaks Meet the Pines
At Miraflores Winery, our passion is to craft balanced new world wines, and indulge the senses with gracious and welcoming surroundings. Escape the hectic pace of daily life and let your cares drift away with a visit to our winery.
VOTED BEST WINERY 9 YEARS RUNNING!
mirafloreswinery.com | 530.647.8505 V mirafloreswinery B mirafloreswinery
INVEST IN YOUR GREENS
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JANIE JONES
Boost your health by adding a generous serving of fresh greens to your daily diet. While both cooked and raw vegetables offer health benefits, consuming them raw often provides the most nutrients. Raw greens are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.
DANDELION GREENS:
Dandelion greens are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, chlorophyll, and fiber, making them a great choice for digestion and overall health. Their light flavor and texture enhance salads and sandwiches.
BROCCOLI:
Broccoli is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Known for being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it also contains important minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium. In addition, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and fiber. Whether raw or cooked, broccoli is an excellent choice for immune system support, making it one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable, known for their vitamin C, K, and folate content, as well as carotenoids and fiber. These vegetables can be shaved, sliced, sautéed, boiled, or grilled, offering a range of flavors from mild to bitter, depending on preparation.
KALE:
Kale is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, E, K, and manganese. It contains twice as much selenium as spinach and is an excellent source of calcium. Kale’s unique properties help bind to cholesterol and lower oxalate levels, which promotes calcium absorption and makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. Additionally, it provides eye health benefits, thanks to lutein, and its disease-fighting properties make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, and more.
ARTICHOKES:
Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion. They are a great source of plant protein, potassium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. Artichokes also provide essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, folate, magnesium, and B vitamins.
ASPARAGUS:
Asparagus is versatile and can be enjoyed grilled, sautéed, baked, or even raw. Packed with vitamins C, E, B, K, folate, and copper, it’s a great source of fiber. It also helps lower cholesterol and provides a variety of antioxidants that aid in healing. Asparagus is a perfect side dish that complements both light and robustly flavored meals.
SPINACH:
Spinach is a popular green known for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, spinach is great for overall health. It also provides antioxidants that support eye health and includes calcium for stronger bones. However, because spinach has a higher oxalate content, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 22ND & 23RD
Welcome
Spring
2025 with the Apple Hill Wineries
Various Camino Wineries
This seasonal event is just “budding” with spring activities and tastings at each participating winery in Apple Hill, including Madroña Vineyards, Lava Cap, Starfield Vineyards, Boeger, Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms, and Fenton Herriott Vineyards. Visit applehill.com for more information.
APRIL 12TH & 13TH
El Dorado County Mineral and Gem Society’s Annual Rock & Gem Show
El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville
El Dorado County Mineral and Gem Society presents a great show for experienced rockhounds or new collectors. With more than 40 world class dealers, the event will include free kids’ activities, geode cutting, lapidary art demonstrations, silent auction, soapstone carving, and more. There will also be unique gift and jewelry booths. edcmgs.org
APRIL 13TH
Town
Center’s
Spring Flower Festival & Egg Hunt
El Dorado Hills Town Center Amphitheater | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
This fun-filled, family-friendly event brings together the beauty of flowers, delicious flavors, music, and enchanting activities for all ages. Enjoy flower-themed fun like crown and bouquet making, an egg hunt, Easter bunny photos, a butterfly release, and a magical spring parade. Dress in your spring best and join the fun! edhtowncenter.com
APRIL 19TH
CSD El Dorado Hills Easter Egg Hunt
Promontory Park, 2700 Alexandra Drive, El Dorado Hills | 9:00 AM
The whole family is welcome at the CSD’s Easter egg hunt, where children ages 0 to 12 may participate in the search. The event is free, and families are invited to take pictures with the Easter Bunny following the hunt. Don’t be late–the fun starts at 9 a.m. sharp. eldoradohillscsd.org
APRIL 19TH
Serrano Spring Egg Hunt
Serrano Village Green | 9:00 AM
Serrano homeowners have the privilege of many private events, and the Spring Egg Hunt is one of those favorites! More than 12,000 eggs are hidden at Serrano’s Village Green, and separate areas are set up for crawlers and toddlers, ages 5 and younger, and ages 6 to 12. Bring your own Easter basket. For more information, visit your Serrano HOA website.
APRIL 26TH
Pitch, Hit, and Run
Promontory Park Softball Fields | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
El Dorado Hills CSD is inviting baseball and softball players of all skill levels and abilities to participate in the 5th annual competition. The event is free, and pre-registration is required. eldoradohillscsd.org
Let’s Celebrate Earth Day
The history, impact, and simple ways to contribute
Every year on April 22, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day, a global movement dedicated to environmental awareness and action. Since its founding 55 years ago, Earth Day has grown into the largest civic observance in the world, inspiring millions to take steps—big and small—to protect our planet for future generations.
The idea for Earth Day came from Senator Gaylord Nelson, who wanted to bring national attention to environmental issues. His vision sparked a movement, and on April 22, 1970, an estimated 20 million Americans participated in rallies, cleanups, and teach-ins, hoping for stronger environmental protections. The momentum led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and landmark laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
Today, Earth Day is recognized in more than 190 countries, with events that encourage individuals and communities to take action through conservation efforts and education.
Looking for ways to make a difference this Earth Day? Here are some simple and impactful ideas:
Join a Community Cleanup—Participate in one of our local park, lake, or neighborhood cleanup events. Small efforts add up to a big impact!
Support Sustainable Shopping—Reduce waste by choosing reusable bags, water bottles, and eco-friendly products.
Plant a Tree or Garden—Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide oxygen, making them one of the best natural ways to reduce pollution, while a garden supports pollinators and provides fresh food.
Recycle & Reduce Waste—Take the time to properly recycle, compost, or donate items instead of throwing them away.
Conserve Energy—Unplug devices, switch to LED bulbs, or turn off unnecessary lights.
Opt for Eco-Friendly Transportation Walk, bike, or carpool when possible to cut down on pollution.
DIY Sustainable Projects—Upcycle old items, make eco-friendly cleaning products, or build a bee/birdhouse.
