This collaborative effort marked the launch of Sacramento’s Equitable Urban Forest project, a key initiative of CalVolunteers’ mission to plant 90,000 trees statewide. Volunteers helped revitalize a former railway site, now being transformed into a park by the City of Sacramento and the Sacramento Department of Regional Parks. Highlighting the transformative power of collaboration, California State Senator Angelique Ashby remarked, “This is the way we make change in our communities—we come together for the positive.”
Ismaili CIVIC volunteers planted tree species such as oak, crabapple, and ginkgo, advancing the shared vision outlined in the 2009 Agreement of Cooperation regarding environmental protection signed by the Ismaili Imamat and the State of California. This effort aligns with the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) global focus on sustainability, which emphasizes environmental protection and climate resilience as core pillars of its development philosophy. An AKDN objective is to reduce its programs’ greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Accord and to become net zero carbon by 2030.
Mayor Steinberg highlighted the importance of equity in environmental projects, saying, “Because every community deserves to have a beautiful tree canopy... every young person deserves to play outside.” He also remarked, “Thank you to the faith community,” recognizing the critical contributions of volunteers. The event exemplified the spirit of service and collaboration while leaving a lasting environmental impact in the Sacramento community.
Josh Fryday, Chief Service Officer for California Volunteers, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing action in the face of climate challenges: “When it comes to this existential climate crisis, we are not powerless.”
This day of action highlighted the vital role of faith-based organizations and civic partnerships in addressing climate change and enhancing community spaces. “Small actions like these from the community can build momentum to face bigger environmental challenges,” said volunteer Gibran Rahimtoola.
About his participation, Mursal Akbari remarked, "The Ismaili Civic tree planting event was a wonderful opportunity to come together and make a positive impact on our environment. It was an honor to be there."
Together, the volunteers not only supported California’s bold goal of planting 90,000 trees but also contributed to the AKDN’s vision of creating sustainable, resilient communities. This partnership exemplifies how local action, grounded in shared values, can leave a lasting environmental legacy while building a cleaner, healthier future — one tree, one act of service at a time.
