What We’re Doing

Monterey County’s First Miyawaki Forest Has Taken Root!

Exciting progress is underway at Del Rey Woods Elementary School in Seaside, where students, parents, teachers, and community volunteers came together on October 17 to plant Monterey County’s first-ever Miyawaki Forest!  Students had already laid the groundwork, turning a patch of dead dirt into nutritious soil – ready for planting.  They prepared the soil by layering cardboard, manure, mulch, and wood chips to build a rich foundation for native trees and plants.  

This project is part of CSMC’s community-funded “Big Idea” for 2024-2025, which involves creating Miyawaki-inspired microforests in local schoolyards and public spaces in Monterey County.  Each rapidly growing forest will become a lush, dense, vibrant habitat that
💚 Boosts biodiversity and wildlife.
💚 Fights climate change by capturing carbon.
💚 Improves air quality and cool urban areas.
💚 Restores soil health and fosters community connections, 

🌳 The students are experiencing the power of regeneration by growing the forests of the future! 🌳

Read about this project in a Monterey County NOW interview by Katie Rodriquez with CSMC President, Janette Leonidou:  A Microforest is Underway at Seaside’s Del Rey Woods Elementary School

Photo by Eyoel Kahssay on Sunsplash Unsplash.com/@eyoelkahssay

By Catherine Crockett, ago

CSMC becomes a Blue Zones Project™ recognized organization

CSMC is proud to share that our organization has been designated as a Blue Zones Approved Organization — a recognition of our commitment to fostering a healthier, more sustainable community.

This designation reflects the work we do every day to promote grassroots actions that support sustainable and regenerative practices. From helping our neighborhoods slow and adapt to climate change to ensuring that these efforts are equitable and locally-driven, our mission aligns with the Blue Zones vision of creating environments where people can thrive.

Together, through community-based solutions and a deep respect for the earth and each other, we are making lasting change — and this recognition inspires us to keep going.

Thank you to all who make this work possible. Let’s continue building a healthier, more resilient future for all.

Blue Zones MC logo

Blue Zones Project® encourages changes in our community that lead to healthier options. 

One of the best ways to get engaged—and stay engaged—is to attend a Blue Zones Project event. Visit the BZP website to learn about local activities and events to boost your well-being journey.  Connect with other community members as you inspire each other towards a higher level of health and happiness.

By Catherine Crockett, ago

Resilient Monterey County

Communities for Sustainable Monterey County is teaming up with Resilient Central Coast to help Monterey County households, groups, and individuals track and reduce their carbon footprint and build climate resilience. 

Click to learn more!

Communities for Sustainable Monterey County is teaming up with Resilient Central Coast to help Monterey County “Go Green”.  It’s an engaging, interactive website for individuals, households, and groups to reduce their carbon footprint and build climate resilience. 

GET STARTED

Join up with Communities for Sustainable Monterey County.  We’re the TOP COMMUNITY GROUP in the Resilient Monterey County network. 

Collectively, our group members have already saved

8 tons of CO2 emissions and $2,180!

By Catherine Crockett, ago