"Río Hondo College proposes to host a Native Garden Expansion Volunteer Day on 9/18/2026 during Climate Action Counts Month (September 2026), engaging 50 volunteers in a hands-on climate action project that will expand the College's existing Native Garden. Building on the success of the student-led garden, the project will increase native plant habitat, support pollinators, improve biodiversity and provide environmental education for students and community members. The volunteer event will focus on planting at least 75 California native plants, including drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly species that require less water, improve soil health and provide habitat for native bees, butterflies and other beneficial wildlife. The expanded native garden will contribute to long-term climate resilience by reducing landscape water use, increasing carbon sequestration through healthy vegetation and creating a more sustainable campus ecosystem. Prior to beginning service activities, volunteers will participate in an educational workshop led by College Corps students and campus staff. Participants will learn about the importance of native plants, their role in supporting biodiversity, conserving water, improving air quality and strengthening climate resilience in Southern California. Volunteers will also learn proper planting techniques and best practices for maintaining native landscapes. Following the educational session, volunteers will work in teams to prepare planting areas, amend soil as needed, install native plants, spread mulch to improve water retention and reduce weed growth, and install educational plant identification signage. Throughout the event, College Corps fellows will serve as team leaders, providing guidance, coordinating volunteer activities and sharing information about the environmental benefits of native landscaping. To support student leadership, one student will serve as the Volunteer Lead and receive a $150 leadership stipend for coordinating volunteer recruitment, assisting with project planning, facilitating volunteer check-in, leading work teams and supporting post-event reporting. The anticipated outcomes of the project include: • Engaging 75 volunteers in meaningful climate action service. • Planting at least 75 California native plants. • Expanding pollinator habitat and increasing campus biodiversity. • Educating volunteers about native landscaping and water conservation. • Enhancing an existing campus garden that serves as a living classroom for environmental education and community engagement."