In a fight to better the environment in Sacramento, this spring break, cleanup and restoration projects will be offered on a volunteer basis for Sacramento State students.

The Community Engagement Center at Sac State is partnering up with the Sacramento Tree Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and American River Parkway Foundation to engage students in the Alternative Spring Break Program, which plans to help the homeless, clean the American river and restore trees.

Signups were held today at the University Union Walnut Room at noon for students who were interested in participating or for returning volunteers who wanted to extend a helpful hand by offering their time to the program.

Associate Students Inc. Community Service Coordinator Ashley Skaggs participated in the winter program and encouraged students to participate in Spring Alternative Break to obtain a fun experience by “meeting other students” and “earn(ing) leadership skills while helping their community.”

Senior Sac State student John Lynch signed up for Alternative Break and was looking to obtain a helpful experience with the Community Engagement Center. Lynch was a former volunteer for the winter break program and enjoyed the experience, which encouraged him to come back.

Lynch said that he helped at the Sacramento Food Bank and helped sort clothing and diapers for the homeless and was looking to volunteer as much as possible this spring.

“The volunteer program helped me learn about different organizations that are involved in helping the homeless and maintaining a clean environment,” Lynch said.

Manager of the Volunteer Program at American River Parkway Lana Sumati said that the upcoming Spanish Broom Removal and Trash Cleanup project will be on March 31.

Sumati said that the purpose of the project is to remove the toxic plants that are hazardous to most of the species that grow down the American River and to avoid future potential fire hazards.

Visit the Community Engagement Center website for more information about future signup meetings.

Vanessa Guerrero can be reached at [email protected].