City of Pasadena and One Arroyo Foundation Announce Earth Day Celebration and Launch of Goat Grazing Initiative in the Arroyo Seco

The free, family-friendly event will take place from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM at 360 N Arroyo Blvd and invites the community to come together in celebration of the Earth Day and Pasadena's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.

In early 2025, the devastating Eaton Fire showed the urgent need for proactive fire prevention strategies across the region. The Arroyo Seco, a vital natural corridor that connects communities from Hahamongna Watershed Park to South Pasadena, is particularly vulnerable due to overgrowth and fire-prone vegetation. The introduction of managed goat grazing offers a proven, nature-based solution to help reduce fuel loads, improve land health, and increase resilience.

"Pasadena is committed to leading with proactive, community-centered solutions that protect both people and place," said Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo. "As we come together on Earth Day to celebrate the Arroyo Seco, this initiative reflects how we can turn that shared appreciation into action, implementing innovative, nature-based strategies that strengthen our city's resilience."

Over the course of two months, the goats will graze nearly 100 acres of the Arroyo Seco, clearing invasive plants and dry brush while returning nutrients to the soil. Their ability to navigate steep and sensitive terrain makes them an effective and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional vegetation management methods.

"The One Arroyo Foundation is proud to support and fund this effort in partnership with the City of Pasadena," said One Arroyo Executive Director, Daniel Rossman. "This pilot shows how nature-based solutions can help people and nature thrive together-and that goats might just be the greatest of all time at reducing wildfire risk in hard-to-reach areas."

The Earth Day celebration will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including goat yoga sponsored by the Rose Bowl Stadium, a goat petting zoo, educational opportunities with the goat herder, and interactive booths hosted by City departments and local nonprofit organizations.

Local partners will provide additional programming, including hands-on art activities from Remainders Creative Reuse, outdoor engagement opportunities from Outward Bound Adventures, and community advocacy initiatives from Pasadena 100.

To support access to the event, the City of Pasadena will offer free rides on Route 51 (Pasadena Transit) to Brookside throughout the day.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of sustainability initiatives, including programs related to transportation, stormwater management, environmental health, and clean energy. Participating City of Pasadena departments include Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Transportation, Health, and Water and Power.

Guests can engage with City experts, learn about available programs and resources, explore zero-emission infrastructure, and pick up free compost to support their own sustainability efforts at home.

The City's sustainability team will also host a kickoff activity for the Climate Action Plan update, inviting community members to learn about current progress and share input to help shape Pasadena's environmental future.