Seawolves Dig In cultivates community and sustainability at Sonoma State
April 24 event to include planting of trees and pollinator-friendly plants, other habitat restoration work
Sonoma State University on April 24 will host its fourth annual Seawolves Dig In, which brings the community together to care for campus green spaces. Held this year on Arbor Day and serving as the capstone to Sonoma State’s Earth Week celebrations, the event invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to roll up their sleeves and help cultivate a greener campus.
Volunteers will spend the day planting magnolia trees and new fruit trees, adding flowers and native plants including pollinator-friendly species, removing invasive weeds, and supporting habitat restoration efforts across campus. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn how to use "whips" and downed branches harvested on campus to create wattle "insectaries" for overwintering insects and pollinators — giving new purpose to natural materials while strengthening campus landscapes.
Beyond beautification, the event reflects Sonoma State’s commitment to hands-on learning and environmental stewardship.
“I am excited to support the Center for Environmental Inquiry and Facilities Management as they partner with faculty and staff across campus to align the objectives and activities of Seawolves Dig In with Sonoma State’s broader commitment to outdoor engagement and stewardship of place,” said Dr. Stacey Bosick, SSU’s interim provost, vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer. “(Seawolves Dig In) creates expanded opportunities for students to connect with the campus landscape and surrounding environment beyond the classroom.”
Professors offering courses covering subject matter including regeneration of biodiversity and carbon sequestration through ecosystem restoration have the option to offer students extra credit or service learning credit for Seawolves Dig In participation.
From novice gardeners to more experienced green thumbs, volunteers from across the community will have an opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge while enhancing the SSU campus landscape.
“I learned a new way to plant citrus trees and enjoyed contributing to the beautification of an already beautiful campus,” said Don Guido, a community member who participated in last year’s event.
Organizers provide all the necessary tools and equipment, including gardening gloves. Volunteers will also receive “Sustainable SSU” baseball caps and light morning snacks.
“One of the goals of this year’s event is to introduce more fruit-bearing and flowering trees throughout the campus. These trees will bloom at various times during early and late spring,” said Christa Irwin, SSU’s landscape manager.
Irwin pointed out that the addition of fruit-bearing trees will eventually yield fresh fruit that can be harvested and enjoyed by students, faculty, and staff.
“Getting to spend time connecting with nature among friends and colleagues was truly a joyful experience,” said Lauren Swaney, a fall 2025 SSU graduate who participated in last year’s event. “I recommend this activity to anyone eager to get their hands dirty and give back to our beautiful Mother Earth.”
Complete the linked Google form to register to participate in this year’s Seawolves Dig In.