More than 100 members of the LA28 Volunteer Crew came together to restore native habitat near the Los Angeles River, investing in a more resilient Los Angeles through volunteerism during Global Volunteer Month and Earth Month 

Los Angeles, CA (April 25, 2026) — Today, as part of the LA28 Volunteer Program, presented by Delta Air Lines, the LA28 Volunteer Crew joined LA28 and Friends of the LARiver (FoLAR) in the Sepulveda Basin to support habitat restoration and the removal of invasive species near the Los Angeles River. Since the inaugural Volunteer Program event at Venice Beach in December of 2025, LA28 has hosted ten volunteer events with six local non-profit organizations.   

“Today is about showing what’s possible when people come together in service of their community,” said Reynold Hoover, Chief Executive Officer of LA28. “From the LA28 Volunteer Crew members serving their community this morning to the organizations leading this work every day, this is what it looks like to take pride in Los Angeles and invest in its future. That spirit, which is at the core of who we are at LA28, will carry us well beyond the Games.” 

LA28 representatives and the LA28 Volunteer Crew removed invasive plants and restored nature surrounding the LA River in the Sepulveda Basin – directly supporting LA28’s broader commitment to investing in a more resilient LA through its Resilience Champions Initiative. The Sepulveda Basin region, known as the Valley Zone in 2028, will host several Olympic events including the BMX Freestyle and BMX Racing events of Cycling, the Park and Street events of Skateboarding, 3x3 Basketball, and Modern Pentathlon. 

This event was planned in observance of Global Volunteer Month, which is celebrated annually during the month of April to honor volunteers worldwide and encourage civic engagement through acts of service, as well as Earth Month.  

"The LA River is this city’s origin story," said Candice Dickens-Russell, Chief Executive Officer of FoLAR. "That’s why we've spent 40 years working to rebuild Angelenos' connection to their River. By bringing people together to care for this space, we’re not just restoring habitat and removing flammable invasive species—we’re helping build a more equitable and climate-resilient future for Los Angeles." 

For 40 years, FoLAR has worked to restore the LA River and build capacity for communities, students and future leaders to advocate for the nature, climate, and equity of the LA River. Through volunteer events, advocacy and education programs, FoLAR continues to work toward a healthier, more accessible River for all Angelenos. 

This event is part of a broader series of volunteer opportunities across the LA region, creating meaningful ways for Angelenos to give back, strengthen community connections and build momentum toward the LA28 Games. To learn more or register interest in future opportunities, visit the LA28 Volunteer Program page.    

In August 2025, LA28 released its Impact and Sustainability Plan, outlining a comprehensive framework to ensure the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games deliver lasting benefits for the Los Angeles area and beyond. The plan centers on expanding access to economic empowerment, youth sports, and a healthy environment, with commitments such as prioritizing local and small business participation, investing in workforce pathways, and delivering a “transit‑first” Games anchored around the radical reuse of existing venues. To read the full Impact and Sustainability plan, click here. 

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ABOUT THE LA28 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES   
LA28 will bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Los Angeles in 2028, uniting more than 15,000 of the world's greatest athletes in a celebration of sport, culture and human potential. Set against a diverse collection of venues only Southern California can deliver, from the Pacific Ocean to Hollywood stages to world-class arenas, Los Angeles will become the third city ever to host three Olympic Games, following 1932 and 1984, and will also host its first ever Paralympic Games. The LA28 Games will celebrate historic milestones including becoming the first Olympic Games in history to allocate more quota spots to women athletes than men, the debut of new Olympic and Paralympic sports and becoming the first Games since 1948 to not build any new permanent infrastructure. Operating as an independently funded, non-profit organization, LA28 has built a strong foundation of successful commercial partnerships, alongside licensing, hospitality and ticketing, with the support of the International Olympic Committee.      

ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE LOS ANGELES RIVER 
Founded in 1986 by poet and activist Lewis MacAdams, Friends of the LA River (aka FoLAR) is a nonprofit organization that has spent 40 years rebuilding the relationship between Angelenos and their River. We mobilize thousands of volunteers, pick up literal tons of litter, bring thousands of students to the River each year, and fight for policies that protect the River and the communities that surround it. We envision a verdant LA River that supports vulnerable communities in climate adaptation. We believe the River can and will be transformed into a dynamic, functioning ecosystem that reduces flood risk, cleans the air, cools temperatures, and supports the biodiversity essential to our collective well-being.