The University of Redlands Climate Action Corps Fellows, in partnership with Esri, have announced the sixth annual Mega May Tree Giveaway. This community-driven event is designed to bolster the local canopy, mitigate urban heat, and foster environmental stewardship across the Inland Empire.

Event Details

• When: Saturday, May 9 | 9 a.m. – 12 noon

• Where: University of Redlands, in front of Memorial Chapel (Drive-through pickup)

• Who: Open to all Inland Empire residents.

• Cost: Free (up to two trees in 4-inch pots per household).

Note to Attendees: Supplies are replenished hourly. There is no need to arrive at daybreak; the event is designed for a steady flow of participants throughout the morning.

Commitment to Equity & Environment

In a push for environmental justice, the giveaway includes a specialized tier for high-need areas. Residents providing proof of residence in a CalEnviroScreen score of 60 or higher zone are eligible for larger 5-gallon and 15-gallon trees, ensuring that communities most affected by pollution and heat receive the most robust resources.

Tree Selection & Sourcing

The Climate Action Corps prioritizes "Climate-Ready" species. Selections are vetted by University faculty and the UCANR Master Gardeners, focusing on:

1. California Native Species

2. Climate-Ready Inland Empire Varieties

3. Waterwise & Pollinator-Friendly Habits

Featured Species Guide

Attendees can choose from a variety of categories tailored to local landscapes. Each tree includes specific care instructions.

1. Native Shade Trees

For those looking to restore the natural ecosystem while providing massive cooling relief.

• California Live Oak: A keystone species that can live for centuries.

• Desert Willow: High drought tolerance with beautiful pink/purple blooms.

• Western Redbud: Stunning magenta spring flowers; powerline-friendly.

2. Drought-Tolerant Shade

Non-native but highly adapted species for the arid Inland Empire climate.

• Carob: An evergreen with leathery leaves; produces edible pods.

• African Sumac: A hardy, evergreen choice that thrives in full sun.

• Chinese Elm: Rapidly growing shade provider with a weeping habit.

3. Low-Chill Fruit Trees

Specifically selected for Southern California's milder winters.

• Panamint Nectarine: High-yielding, sweet freestone fruit.

• Santa Rosa Plum: A California classic known for juicy, tart-skinned fruit.

• Pomegranate: Highly drought-tolerant once established and very powerline-friendly.

Call for Partnerships

The TreeStock program is actively seeking connections with local nurseries and environmental partners to expand their inventory of priority native species.

Smiley Library is excited to announce Library Days 2026, happening on Saturday, April 25 from 10am – 2pm. This year’s theme, “Find Your Joy”, coincides with National Library Week. From library cards to video games to the beautiful library architecture, AKSPL holds joy for everyone.

Things start at 10am with activities for all ages, including face painting, lawn games, and bracelet making/rock painting for children. Adults can also participate with rock art and lawn games like oversized Jenga and Connect 4 or disc golf. Parents can listen to the sounds of the West Palm Avenue Band or have family photographs with President Lincoln. The Museum of Redlands and the Redlands Area Historical Society will also be there sharing information about their organizations, while the Redlands Animal Shelter shares an album of adorable animals available for adoption. The Friends of the Library will also have a table. Adults and children alike can check out the composting worms at the Sustainability Department’s booth or check out the Emergency Services table. There is also a Quiet Zone for some low-key adventures.

Two highlights of the event—the In-N-Out truck and Lappert’s Ice Cream—will be in Smiley Park at 11am. Food and ice cream are complimentary, while supplies last!

After things wrap up there is still plenty to do and see inside the Library. Patrons can sign up for library cards, use new databases, check out movies, or connect to the wi-fi. Patrons can also add notes to the community bulletin board sharing how the Library has found joy for them.

See you there…help spread the joy at Library Days!

Headlining by the Connie Roener Band and opening ensemble by Bill Weisberg’s, The Chaud
Come join Redlands Conservancy in a celebration of open space, live music, multiple no host food trucks, cocktail bar, wine, beer and more.
Guests are encouraged to hike the hills, have a cocktail or eat a meal while melodies are performed from the Jeff Waldron Memorial Pavilion at Gateway.
Be an integral component of our beautiful community of open spaces and trail with this unique opportunity.
Price: $35 per guest, Children under 18 are free!
Host: Todd and Judy Owen Elder
Location: At the Jeff Waldron Pavilion and The Watering Hole at Gateway Ranch

Reservation Now Available!

The Redlands Japanese Cultural Center will host the Sakura Festival at Escape Brewery, 440 Oriental Ave. in Redlands, on Saturday, April 18.

Come listen to the visceral percussion of taiko drums, and participate in a taiko workshop; observe the energetic odori traditional dances.

There will be karate and jujitsu demonstrations; check out the choreography of kendo sword demonstrations.

Try your hand at origami and ikebana floral arrangements, or calligraphy in the art of Japanese shodo.

For more information, visit redlandsjapanesecc.org.

A.K. Smiley Public Library’s “Southern California in Film” series continues in 2026 with a brand-new lineup of films. This year’s screenings will feature award winners, cult favorites, and box office hits—all celebrating the vital role Southern California has played in cinematic history.

Films will be screened at 2pm in the Contemporary Club. No admission is charged for screenings thanks to the generous contributions of donors to Smiley Library. Screenings are free and open to the public. Not all films are suitable for all audiences. Schedule is subject to change.

For more information about the series or for schedule updates, call (909) 798-7632 or visit News + Events at www.akspl.org

The Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and there’s kinship in the air!

Join all of us here for a very special spring palooza. Come play all day for free and just try not to fall in love with our store.

Stay tuned for more details, including the attractions, tournaments, and fun prizes!

Grab your table today and sign up to vend at our annual Spring Palooza! Copy and paste the link below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScr3nOEnXkdFIMlmLr2lzjM5Rm4zmnZLfuKEtk1BvN3nHYAEg/viewform?usp=dialog

Join neighbors across the city for a day of hands-on community projects and practical solutions, from planting and composting to learning new ways to care for our local environment.

After the morning projects, come together to celebrate with music, food, and community in the park.

April 18 | 9 AM - 3 PM

Redlands, CA

More details and project announcements coming soon.

Stay up-to-date on projects at www.redlandsearthday.org or on our Instagram, redlands_earth_day!

Food Network star and cookbook author Chef Curtis Aikens will speak about the transformative power of literacy at 6 p.m. Friday, April 17, at The Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka St., sponsored by the Adult Literacy Program at the A.K. Smiley Public Library.

At the age of 26, Chef Aikens’ life was changed when he learned to read through a library-sponsored adult literacy program. With his new skills, Chef Aikens went on to star on the Food Network, obtained his master’s degree in education and authored eight cookbooks.

“If you can’t read, you can’t succeed,” says Chef Aikens.

The program, “Power of Literacy,” is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Smiley Library Adult Literacy Coordinator Diane Shimota at dshimota@akspl.org or call the library at (909) 798-7565.

On Thursday, April 16h, 2026 at 6:00PM, at The Contemporary Club, located at 173 S. Eureka St., in Redlands, we will be joined by Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys. Janet Klein is an entertainer, band leader, musical archaeologist and treasure hunter on a 30+ year search for rare songs from the 1910’s – 1930’s, digging up compositions by the likes of Wilton Crawley, A.P. Randolf, and Robert Cloud, songs of the Victrola, Vaudeville, Vitaphone films and early sound musical feature films. She and her LA based band The Parlor Boys perform this material with passion, skill, and authenticity.

Redlands Concervancy is presenting, Dietrich Bader will discuss On Being an Actor in Hollywood

This is going to be a fun free event. Diedrich is a fantastic story teller. Free snacks too. But make sure you RSVP, it’s not a huge room.

https://redlandsconservancy.org/event/on-being-an-actor-in-hollywood/

SMARTPHONE APPS, TIPS & TRICKS Smartphones come with powerful cameras that make it easier than ever to capture meaningful moments, beautiful scenery, and creative everyday images. On Monday April 6, Redlands Camera Club President Bruce Herwig will explore apps, settings, and simple techniques that can help you take better photos with the camera you already carry. From understanding basic camera features to improving composition, focus, and lighting, this session will show how small changes can lead to stronger images. This presentation will also look at helpful photography apps and practical tips for editing, organizing, and sharing pictures. Whether you enjoy photographing family, travel, nature, or daily life, this program will reveal easy ways to improve your results and make smartphone photography more fun and rewarding. 

This free presentation of the Redlands Camera Club is open to the public and takes place at First Presbyterian Church in Redlands. Find parking and the entrance at 105 South Fourth Street. A social time will begin at 6:30pm with the program beginning at 7:00. The program will also be shared digitally via Zoom. For more information, see the Redlands Camera Club website HERE.

Join us THIS WEEKEND at the Downtown Morning Market for Easter Bunny & Friends at Ed Hales Park! Bring the family for a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny and fairies, a children’s art station, and free professional photo ops.

Saturday, April 4

9 AM – 1 PM

Ed Hales Park, State Street

This is a free event and no registration is required. Just show up, explore the market, and enjoy the fun.

Ever thought about playing on a USL 2 team with asperastions on going to MLS?

Here is your chance to see if you have what it takes to ..

Redlands FC is looking for new players for the new season

Dodge Stadium, Redlands High School campus. VIEW MAP

Registration fee: $65.00. Walk-ups not accepted.

Tryout spots are non-refundable.

Please bring a form of identification.

Trialists are responsible for their own travel and transportation.

Trialists must be at least 16 years old. Ages 16-17 require a parent/guardian present.

Questions? Email hello@redlandsfootballclub.com

• Art, live music, kid's zone, car show food and fun.

Coach Elle Seven Is proud to share the work from my Artist Residency with REACH-an Artlands Creative initiative.

Awarded for my dedication to commute skating across SoCal and the world, this residency recognizes the commitment to the pavement and allows us to build unity through skate community.

By uniting wheels at the Redlands Skatepark at Sylvan Park, we are honoring our shared outdoor spaces to create a new legacy.

Event Highlights:

FREE Skate Lessons with Coach Elle Seven (Capacity: 20

per session)

Guaranteed Prize for every registered student!

All levels welcome.

Ages (2-99) welcomed!

Skate Rentals:

FREE Skate Rentals available at no cost!

Limited Availability: You must register in advance and

provide your size to secure a rental.

Join us for either session:

601 N University St, Redlands, CA 92374

Session 1: 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Session 2: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Huge thanks to The Artlands REACH Residency Team, Knight Skate Supply, and the City of Redlands for supporting this vision.

Overview

A fun Downtown Redlands pub crawl supporting two local nonprofits. Great venues, great cause. Must be 21+.

Join us for an unforgettable event in Downtown Redlands at the 3rd Annual Redlands Royalty Pub Crawl, benefiting Family Service Association of Redlands and The Unforgettables Foundation.

On March 22, 2026, these two incredible organizations once again partner to showcase some of Redlands’ best local establishments—all for a great cause. The crawl will kick off at Escape Craft Brewery and wrap up at J. Riley’s Distillery.

Grab your friends and enjoy a fun, lively afternoon while supporting programs that help individuals and families in need right here in our community.

👑 Redlands Royalty Competition

In the weeks leading up to the crawl, Redlands Royalty candidates will compete for the title of King & Queen, with the winners crowned live at the event.

Voting is done through donations—every $1 donated equals one vote. Cast your votes and cheer on your favorite candidates before the big day!

🎟 Important Event Information

• Must be 21+ to attend — valid ID required (IDs will be checked)

• Each ticket requires a specific attendee name

• Only registered attendees listed on tickets may check in

• Please provide full names and contact information for all attendees at check-in.

Overview

A fun Downtown Redlands pub crawl supporting two local nonprofits. Great venues, great cause. Must be 21+.

Join us for an unforgettable event in Downtown Redlands at the 3rd Annual Redlands Royalty Pub Crawl, benefiting Family Service Association of Redlands and The Unforgettables Foundation.

On March 22, 2026, these two incredible organizations once again partner to showcase some of Redlands’ best local establishments—all for a great cause. The crawl will kick off at Escape Craft Brewery and wrap up at J. Riley’s Distillery.

Grab your friends and enjoy a fun, lively afternoon while supporting programs that help individuals and families in need right here in our community.

👑 Redlands Royalty Competition

In the weeks leading up to the crawl, Redlands Royalty candidates will compete for the title of King & Queen, with the winners crowned live at the event.

Voting is done through donations—every $1 donated equals one vote. Cast your votes and cheer on your favorite candidates before the big day!

🎟 Important Event Information

• Must be 21+ to attend — valid ID required (IDs will be checked)

• Each ticket requires a specific attendee name

• Only registered attendees listed on tickets may check in

• Please provide full names and contact information for all attendees at check-in.

Tickes can be purches at the link below

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/redlands-royalty-pub-crawl-2026-tickets-1982554671391?aff=eivtefrnd&utm-campaign=social%2Cemail&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=strongmail&utm-term=listing

A.K. Smiley Public Library’s “Southern California in Film” series continues in 2026 with a brand-new lineup of films. This year’s screenings will feature award winners, cult favorites, and box office hits—all celebrating the vital role Southern California has played in cinematic history.

Films will be screened at 2pm in the Contemporary Club. No admission is charged for screenings thanks to the generous contributions of donors to Smiley Library. Screenings are free and open to the public. Not all films are suitable for all audiences. Schedule is subject to change.

For more information about the series or for schedule updates, call (909) 798-7632 or visit News + Events at www.akspl.org

The public is invited to participate in the annual Redlands Day of Service.

Among the projects taking place at Ford Park this spring include planting trees and general clean-up at the dog park; replenishing perimeter rocks around the pond, repainting duck habitat fencing, removing weeds, and general planting; installing sod and planting shrubs at the Boy Scout area; and around the park assisting with planting trees and general clean-up.

Kiwanis Club of Redlands will provide free lunch to volunteers. Volunteers are requested to register ahead of time, and sign liability waivers at serveredlands.org/redlands-day-of-service.

Join Redlands for a free class for people 55+ to learn about

DIABETES: KNOW THE SIGNS AND HOW TO MANAGE

NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY

Join the Redlands Fire Department for an informative session on wildfire preparedness and emergency resiliency. Learn practical steps to stay safe, protect your home, and be ready for emergencies.

This is a free class, but you must register using the QR code on the flyer

Having been here for over 100 years, Hodges Reservoir has become an important part of the Pacific Flyway, and with over 240 species of birds residing or passing through is its own micro ecosystem. But there is trouble on the horizon.

As part of the Pacific Flyway, and with over 240 species of birds residing or passing through, Lake Hodges has its own micro ecosystem and is an ideal location for nature photographers. In this presentation, we will discuss the photographic opportunities, along with the best techniques and equipment to get the job done. Brian will highlight the differences between shooting from shore and shooting from a boat, including the pros and cons of each. He will also spend time discussing the various locations on and around the lake, and which areas are best suited for specific photographs.

With Lake Hodges being renowned for its grebes, Brian will explain how to capture that award-winning shot. He will also touch on the challenges grebes are facing due to the state-mandated lower water levels, as well as the individuals who are working to improve the situation.

Presented By Brian Caldwell

Having been a resident of the Del Dios area on the banks of Lake Hodges for more than 30 years, as concessionaire for 10 of those years, currently lead the ‘Kayaking for the Birds’ fishing line removal volunteer group, owns and operates the nature photography tour company, Lake Hodges Photo Tours, Brian is the ultimate lake local. He’s a NANPA (an award-winning photographer) and served as a Grebe consultant for the recent PBS Nature Documentary ‘San Diego, America’s Wildest City’. Brian’s an avid outdoorsman and nature enthusiast. He’s aware of the local climate, seasons, weather, water management, lake level, and how these components affect the flora and fauna in the area. Coupled with his understanding of photography, light, and Grebe behavior, he is THE guide when in pursuit of the shot at Lake Hodges and the surrounding area.

lakehodgesphototours.com

Online registration for the 38th Run Through Redlands will close after midnight on Friday, Feb. 27.

Late registration and packet pick-up will be located in front of the Smiley Library (125 W. Vine St.  Redlands, CA 92373). Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 6 a.m. until the start of the last race. No locker space is available for the race.

No dogs are allowed in the registration area.

The 10K will start at 7 a.m.

The half marathon will start at 7:20 a.m.

The 5K race will begin at 7:30 a.m.

The start line is in front of the post office at 201 Brookside Ave., south of Redlands Boulevard on the corner of Eureka Street at the intersection of Brookside and W. Citrus avenues.
In order to accommodate the event, a street closure will be in effect between those hours on the following streets: Citrus Avenue/Brookside Avenue, from Olive Avenue to Grant Street.
All proceeds from the run are distributed to local charities as well as providing scholarships for local youth as they continue to serve their community and desire to continue their education.

REGISTER -> https://redlandsrun.com

A.K. Smiley Public Library’s “Southern California in Film” series continues in 2026 with a brand-new lineup of films. This year’s screenings will feature award winners, cult favorites, and box office hits—all celebrating the vital role Southern California has played in cinematic history.

Films will be screened at 2pm in the Contemporary Club. No admission is charged for screenings thanks to the generous contributions of donors to Smiley Library. Screenings are free and open to the public. Not all films are suitable for all audiences. Schedule is subject to change.

For more information about the series or for schedule updates, call (909) 798-7632 or visit News + Events at www.akspl.org

Redlands Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 through 1 a.m. Saturday at an undisclosed location. 

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

The Redlands Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society will hold its general meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Church of the Nazarene.

John Nielsen, a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture, will present a program titled "Bonsai Tree Cultivation." The presentation will include audience participation.

Nielsen’s interest in bonsai began in 1985. He has studied under masters John Naka, Harry Hirao and Tak Shimazu. For decades, Nielsen has taught classes and private lessons on bonsai techniques throughout Southern California.

Under the direction of Shimazu, Nielsen maintains private collections of specimen trees. He has also exhibited his work at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino.

"The peace which a graceful garden full of miniature trees provides is priceless," Nielsen said. "After years of caring for trees, you know them well. They become a part of your family."

The meeting will be held at 1307 E. Citrus Ave. Attendees are encouraged to bring tree care questions for a Q&A session following the talk.

Additional information is available at redlandsgardenclub.com or on the society's Facebook page.