What We’re Doing

C4SM Broom Bash Nov 2025 Update

C4SM's Nov 2025 French Broom Bash Success!

Seven volunteers tackled French Broom on November 14th

The Friday, November 14th Broom Bash was a success! Seven volunteers tackled invasive French Broom in two key areas:

  • Imjin Road Crew (Bruce, Kaitlyn, Tim, and Anakin) cleared a wide swath of mature and juvenile broom—even in areas with poison oak. They exceeded their goal with determination and teamwork.
  • East Garrison Crew (Steve, Alan, John, and Julian) focused on Lee Ave Hill, removing mature broom and pulling out short but stubborn regrowth with thick stumps and deep taproots. More maintenance will be needed in that area.

Afterward, several of the volunteers enjoyed a well-earned lunch at Dametra Fresh Mediterranean, where they were treated to complimentary desserts by the owner!

🌿 Join Citizens for Sustainable Marina in sweeping out French Broom, one of the most widespread and invasive wildland pest plants in California. 

Click for details and dates
By Stone, ago

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